Mohsin Hamid’s celebrated novel Exit West deals with societal fragmentation and dehumanization in 230 pages. Simon Powell’s “Murmuring Goodbye” probes the same issue in 60 seconds. While we’re talking apples and oranges—book vs. movie—a case can be made that the emotional impact of Powell’s silent film equals that of the book.

The film uses a variety of elements to convey the unspeakable sadness: props (the stars, the suitcase), the location, and the non-verbal interaction between the protagonist (who is also the film’s co-writer and producer) and the man on the bench. With its 18 cuts in one minute, the movie also serves as a mini-guide on editing.

“Murmuring Goodbye,” chosen as a Mobile Movie of the Week, is an entry in the Mobile Film Festival 2017.  Created in 2005 by Bruno Smadja, the Festival has a simple concept: one mobile phone, one minute of film.  The festival invites viewers to vote for their favorite entries.