Austin Film Festival 2022 2nd Rounder, Short Script Category
Mr Singh, his wife and daughter, are counting on winning a prestigious window display contest sponsored by a local media company. On Christmas Eve, they're waiting for a TV crew to interview them. Viewers will text in their votes. The family watch the start of the contest programme on TV, when Jason, a filthy old busker, turns up and starts singing outside.
Mr Singh tries everything to make Jason go away, but he won't. Then it's too late, newshound Vicky Whittaker and her cameraman arrive and the Singhs' ambience is ruined by Jason's awful strumming and tuneless carols. Worse than that, the competition is Singh's cousin Kumar, with a no-expense-spared display in his upmarket delicatessen and a huge crowd of fans texting in their votes.