Mumbai and London-based media firm, Civic Studios creates narratives with social impact and leads the animation project Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust by Ishan Shukla. It premiered at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam 2024 and was give the NETPAC award for Best Asian film.
Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust presented a dystopia that makes people wear paper bags so as to erase differences between them, according to Variety. This whispers about an imaginary land free from these bounds only ignite tensions causing trouble to start anew after a young council member ignorantly triggers it off.
Ishan Shukla is writer, designer and director in collaboration with Bich-Quan Tran. The voice cast includes actors like Golshifteh Farahani, Asia Argento, SoKo, King Khan, Denzil Smith, John Sutton among other new comers such as Tibu Fortes and Shahbaz Sarwar. What is interesting here are some of the guest voice actors including Lav Diaz, Gaspar Noe, Karan Johar Shekhar Kapur Anurag Kashyap Piyush Mishra .
Ishan Shukla’s latest animated feature film Schirkoa: In Lies. We Trust takes viewers on a strange journey into a disturbing world. Citizens in this sophisticated society called Schirkoa are forced to wear paper bags on their heads to put out their identity as individuals. This specialized groupthink is maintain through continuous propaganda from an appealingly humorous announcer. Who is none other than Bollywood superstar Karan Johar himself.
But behind its façade of harmony echoes rumors of another country where people live freely. The revolt begins when one of the newest members of the council becomes caught up in a web of intrigue. Themes explored in this film include classic dystopian themes such as social control. Brainwashing afflicting humanity’s quest for liberty; though interestingly enough there are parts of the film that offer an amusement or a smirk even in the midst of oppression.
Using a video game engine, Schirkoa: In Lies. We Trust is a visually stunning piece blending 3D and 2D animation together. The final world is made up of cool, sophisticated visuals blended with stark noirish architecture. This excellent artistic choice matches perfectly with the society portrayed in the film where beauty and control are one.
Shukla has not been afraid to link contemporary events. The film touches on recent struggles for freedom. Also, acts of civil disobedience and the collective experience of living in a masked world during the pandemic. By integrating social commentaries through a fantastic narrative, it also allows for depth and resonance over its themes.
It premiered at the Rotterdam International Film Festival in January 2024. Where it won the prestigious NETPAC Award for best Asian feature film. According to IFFR jury, the movie was “universal,” had an impressive “style” with “amazing ideas” that made it humorous as well as socially relevant.
Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust has completed a successful festival run and is now being distribute. Worldwide by international sales agent NEW EUROPE FILM SALES. With a captivating story, inventive visuals and thought-provoking concepts. This unique animated film is poise to become an essential part of dystopian science fiction fans’ libraries.
Schirkoa is a result of global cooperation. Dissidenz Films and Red Cigarette Media co-produced the film while Rapid Eye Movies. Civic Studios, Cofinova 18 are among other contributors. Besides that, different institutions in France, Germany and India also supported making this movie.
