Rumi, a poetry-loving recluse, is most ‘at home’ at the city library. One day she chances upon an old, open game of XO (tic tac toe) in a forgotten corner. Curious, she scribbles a move which is reciprocated the next day and thus a game ensues.
Over days, each game ends in a draw. And Rumi is always greeted with a new game with the first move. As poetic romanticism plays out in her own life, Rumi falls in love with the idea of this playfully mysterious person. Their playful relationship continues until Rumi is given a chance to win and she takes it, going one up.
The games stop thereafter – there is no new XO. Rumi does not understand why and is disappointed, worried, and eventually heartbroken. Finally, she realizes something that changes her life and helps her come out of her shell.
Samrat DasGupta
Samrat directed 3 short films that have been awarded and appreciated in festivals across the US, Germany, China and India.
Samrat’s latest – XO, a romantic short, is creating flutters in the festival circle, and, in very early days, and has been selected in festivals worldwide including a Finalist at Korea International SFF with selections at Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, SSFF & ASIA Japan, LA ShortsFest, New York International Short Film Festival, Vienna International Film Awards, IFFSA Toronto, Madrid International Film Festival and New York Indian Film Festival, so far.
