Crisis can sometimes fuel creativity. Filmmaker Abhijit Das' new production, Unlocked, a series of five short films, which he shot virtually with actors from across the world, is proof. "What makes this an intriguing time is that the whole world is in the same state. Locked down. Physically distanced. Scared. And, hoping for a miracle," says Das. In these times, he believes it's the job of artistes and performers to keep this hope alive. The film is an attempt to break barriers, geographically, linguistically and psychologically.

The five stories are linked by a narrative that moves from one country to another. "Every story is a chance encounter with a stranger, which leads to unlocking of a secret," says Das, who is known for his directorial hit TV show Sanjivani, starring Surbhi Chandna, Namit Khanna, Mohnish Bahl and Gurdeep Kohli. Earlier this year, Das was one of the six Indian filmmakers to be selected for an exchange programme by the US Consulate. Some of the connections he made during the stint came handy while picking actors for the film.