We Speak Filmmakers
Malhar Talwalkar Releases Award-Winning Short Film Pink Trees, Exploring Addiction, Recovery and Survival in Los Angeles
Director and cinematographer Malhar Talwalkar presents Pink Trees, a compelling short film that takes an intimate and unflinching look at addiction, recovery, poverty, and survival in Los Angeles. Through the story of a recovering addict struggling to stay clean while living in a temporary housing motel, Talwalkar explores the difficult realities faced by individuals attempting to rebuild their lives in challenging circumstances.
Pink Trees follows Matthew “Job” Smith, a recovering addict battling for survival while living in a temporary housing motel surrounded by the harsh realities of urban poverty and crime. His journey reflects the instability and uncertainty that can accompany addiction recovery, particularly when individuals are attempting to overcome substance abuse without the security of stable housing and a supportive environment.
Rather than portraying recovery as a straightforward journey, Pink Trees examines the complicated circumstances that can influence an individual’s ability to remain sober. The film asks important questions about personal responsibility, environment, social institutions, and the systems that surround people struggling with addiction.
“With this film I tried to tackle the shaky and uncertain road of addiction recovery,” says Talwalkar. “My personal history with substance abuse and addiction made me keen to analyze how various individuals, based on their circumstances, deal with addiction and recovery and how much role institutions play in one’s goal to stay clean.”
Talwalkar’s personal connection to the subject matter brings an added layer of authenticity to Pink Trees. Instead of reducing addiction to a single cause or experience, the film considers the different circumstances that can shape an individual’s recovery and the challenges that can make staying clean an ongoing battle.
The short film has already earned recognition across the independent film festival circuit, receiving awards and honors from Indie Short Fest, Indie X Film Fest, LA Indies, New York International Film Awards™ (NYIFA), San Diego Movie Awards, Chicago Shorts, Latitude Film Awards, Independent Shorts Awards International Film Festival, Hollywood International Indie Film & Screenplay Awards, and Los Angeles Film Awards.
These accolades highlight the film’s growing impact within the independent filmmaking community and its ability to connect with festival audiences and industry professionals through its emotionally grounded storytelling.
At the center of Pink Trees is a question that extends beyond addiction itself: What does it really take for someone to stay clean when the circumstances around them make recovery so difficult? By placing Matthew “Job” Smith within an environment shaped by poverty, crime, and instability, Talwalkar invites audiences to look beyond stereotypes and consider the human and institutional factors that influence recovery.
Talwalkar is a Director and Cinematographer who graduated in the MFA Filmmaking Program at the New York Film Academy in Burbank, California. His work reflects a passion for telling meaningful stories that explore complex human experiences and socially relevant issues.
With Pink Trees, Talwalkar delivers more than a story about addiction. He creates a portrait of a person fighting to survive, recover, and find a path forward in an environment where simply staying clean can become a daily struggle.
We Speak Filmmakers
Filmmaker Shashwat Brahmbhatt Releases New Short Film “Act Three,” A Story of Reinvention, Resilience and Rediscovering an Artist’s Voice
Los Angeles-based filmmaker and production designer Shashwat Brahmbhatt presents a powerful drama about a former film star who finds a second act on the theatre stage
Filmmaker and production designer Shashwat Brahmbhatt releases his new short film “Act Three,” an emotional story about rediscovering one’s identity, rebuilding confidence and finding artistic purpose when the spotlight begins to fade.
The film follows Celia, a hugely successful actress who rose to fame two decades earlier. Now in her 50s, Celia finds herself struggling to secure major film roles as the industry increasingly overlooks actresses her age. Once celebrated for her talent, she has gradually lost confidence not only in herself as an actress, but also in who she is outside of her former success.
Looking for a way back to the artist she once was, Celia returns to her roots in theatre. She auditions for a play and unexpectedly lands the lead role. But she soon discovers that her famous name played a major part in her casting. Her audition was not as strong as she had hoped, and she realizes that earning back the respect she once commanded will require more than her reputation.
With an opportunity to prove herself once again, Celia commits to rediscovering her craft. Along the way, she must navigate a difficult and initially arrogant director who does not see her as the accomplished actress she believes herself to be. Their relationship gradually evolves as the director begins to coach and challenge Celia, helping her reconnect with her abilities and push herself further as a performer.
As opening night approaches, Celia discovers that her journey is not simply about proving something to the world. It is about remembering who she is as an artist.
The culmination of the film sees Celia stepping onto the stage and delivering the performance she has been working toward, finally receiving the love, recognition and appreciation she has been yearning for.
At its heart, “Act Three” explores the idea that an artist’s story does not end when their biggest years of fame are behind them. Instead, another chapter can begin when they are willing to return to their craft, confront their doubts and give themselves permission to grow.
An Award-Winning Festival Run
“Act Three” has already received recognition from film festivals and independent film organizations, including:
Thilsri International Film Festival — Best International Short Film, Winner
Golden Lion International Film Festival — Best International Film, Winner
Athvikvaruni International Film Festival — Best International Film, Winner
Kodaikanal International Film Festival — Winner
Heart of Europe International Season Film Festival — Winner
Iconic Indie Awards — Best Short Film, Nomination
Critics Society Film Festival — Narrative Short, Finalist
Anatolia International Film Festival — Best American Film, Finalist
Filmmaker Sessions Volume 8 — Nomination
Peshawar International Film Festival — Nomination
WinterSun International Film Festival — Nomination
New York International Film Awards — Finalist
Indie Film LA — Nomination
17th Underground Cinema International Film Festival — Nomination
Mei International Film Festival — Finalist
With “Act Three,” Brahmbhatt brings together his experience as a director, filmmaker and production designer to tell a character-driven story about an artist confronting self-doubt and discovering that it is never too late to reclaim your voice.
About Shashwat Brahmbhatt
Shashwat Brahmbhatt is a filmmaker and production designer from India, currently based in Los Angeles. After beginning his filmmaking journey with the short film “Radha” in 2021, he transitioned from Civil Engineering into the film industry, working as an Assistant Director, Art AD and Production Designer in India before pursuing an MFA in Filmmaking at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. Today, he works professionally in Los Angeles as a production designer while continuing to develop his work as a filmmaker and director.
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