Stratosphere

Priya, a young dance instructor, tries enrolling her brother, Paya, in an elite state-run school. During Paya’s interview, Priya notices that her brother has a dream he doesn’t like to talk about it with anyone. On the other hand, the headmaster thinks she can’t afford to pay the school tuition.

Director’s  Statement:

This picture portrays the humiliation experienced by individuals who strive to become their true selves, only to later realize that authenticity comes at a hefty price. The choices they make—driven by personal preferences and dreams—often lead to difficult consequences. This narrative focuses on a younger generation destined for emigration.

From the opening scene to the final shot, the recurring visual motif of the protagonists’ feet—a brother and sister—is emphasized through both static and dynamic camera angles, symbolizing their journey and inner struggle.

Drawing from my parents’ experiences working in this environment and their familiarity with the school enrollment process, as well as my own documentary research and survey studies, I have found that the primary concern for most middle-class and lower-middle-class families is securing a place for their children in schools that offer at least a minimally decent educational environment. Under equal financial circumstances, the students’ talent and academic aptitude often become secondary, as headmasters selectively admit students based on their own preferences.

Categories: Family, Melodrama