Chandradeep Das on Queer Love in Old Age and JASMINE THAT BLOOMS IN AUTUMN | NFF2025

In this episode of The Official Selection Podcast x Norwich Film Festival 2025, we speak with Chandradeep Das, director of the short film JASMINE THAT BLOOMS IN AUTUMN, during his time at Norwich Film Festival.

JASMINE THAT BLOOMS IN AUTUMN tells the story of two elderly women who fall in love in an old-age home, navigating intimacy, secrecy, and social repression in a society that proscribes homosexuality. Drawing from personal family history and close observation, Chandradeep explores queerness in later life, the enduring influence of patriarchy, and how even deeply felt relationships can begin to replicate the power dynamics they seek to escape.

In the conversation, Chandradeep discusses developing the film during the pandemic, shaping a story centred on an often-overlooked demographic, and why subtlety was essential to telling this story with honesty and care. He also shares insights into his festival strategy, the importance of being present at screenings, and how targeted submissions helped the film find the right audiences.

Recorded during NFF 2025, this episode explores how short films can challenge deeply embedded social structures, and why festivals play a vital role in giving space to quiet, politically resonant stories.

0:00 Intro
1:00 What was your festival submission strategy?
3:01 About the film - "Jasmine That Blooms In Autumn"
5:13 What made the production a success?
6:30 How do you deal with networking at festivals?
7:43 Would you have done anything different with your festival approach?
8:53 Wrap up

About the series
The Official Selection Podcast x NFF 2025 brings together selected filmmakers during the festival for informal conversations about their films, the festival experience, and the realities of independent filmmaking.

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