Closed Gates
Santa Monica Film Festival (2025) Shorts
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57m
"Closed Gates" is a touching film that follows Raju, a young autistic boy in India, and his mother, Sana, as they strive for acceptance and inclusive education amidst societal biases. The film highlights their struggles against bullying and discrimination, showcasing themes of resilience and the necessity for inclusivity.
Sana advocates for Raju’s right to learn alongside peers, despite facing challenges from other parents and school administration. A pivotal moment occurs when she discovers Raju's talent for athletics and encourages him to participate in sports day. With her support, Raju faces skepticism but ultimately finds unexpected kindness from a fellow athlete during the race.
The film emphasizes the importance of empathy and challenges viewers to reconsider their biases regarding diversity and inclusion. "Closed Gates" serves as a hopeful reminder of the power of compassion in creating a more inclusive society through Raju and Sana's journey.