Nihilists believe that there is no meaning in existence, hence what is the point of anything? Existentialists differ a little from this to claim that indeed there is no meaning in existence, but while we are here, let's make the most of it. Of course this is an over-simplification, but it adequately provides the overlap on which the primary thought of Untitled Earth Sim 64 rests. 

 One day, Marie, the protagonist of the film, begins to notice something very unusual about her reality which begins to take the form of visual glitches around her. Before she can puzzle herself more over the strange developments, a 'researcher''s voice addresses her to reveal that the earth, as we know it, is merely a simulation which is now facing some technical difficulties. The knowledge is sufficient for Marie, as it would be for anyone, to end up spiralling in existential despair once she concludes that her life is no more than a cluster of code.

 It should be noted that the manner in which all of this is delineated is hilarious, and the pacing is right on point with all the punches landing neatly on target. There is further much to be said about the finesse with which the final product is achieved with a lean cast and crew, and a limited budget. The film packs a full blow within its brief narrative with every special effect succeeding at catching the viewer's eye, while maintaining the tautness of the plot throughout. 


In terms of thought, the film does a spectacular job of taking its story forth from the hackneyed philosophical and existential proposition that our entire existence might simply be a simulation, created by an indifferent creator who really has little to no interest in our individual being. Soon, the overarching question that propels the narrative forward, and eventually allows for an uplifting conclusion, becomes - is life truly abominable, even if it's only a simulation? 

If a simulation has begun to exist and expand on its own, creating timeless art, on the one hand, followed by the little joys of a perfect meal, on the other, can things actually be considered too bad? It is precisely in this manner that the film also proves to be strangely uplifting and unexpectedly hopeful. Unless, much like Marie, this is how we choose to give ourself hope in a meaningless existence, but that is indeed up to the viewer to decide - if this sense of hope is bona fide or simply a defence mechanism, or if there is a difference at all between the two to begin with?

Untitled Earth Sim 64 | Short Film of the Month

Not for the haters of jump-scares, but oh, what a ride is ‘Paranormal Investigators’! While horror-comedy might not be the easiest genre to deal with, efficiently employing the characteristics of the two categories to both amuse and horrify, Markus Meedt makes it look like a walk in the park. The film employs elements from both, ensuring each punch lands as intended. 

It is Abi’s first day at BPIT or the British Paranormal Investigation Team, when things soon begin to devolve into absolute chaos. What may have begun with a brief collision with hostile colleagues, soon takes the form of a haunting that is sure to stay with the entire BPIT team for a long, long time. 

Pushed in a corner in the face of an invincible adversary, both metaphorically and quite literally, the characters have little to turn to for help, when something unexpected happens. The narrative’s path to this eventual point of release is an entertaining, engrossing one. The characters are endearing and amusing, and in the process, ensure that you end up going all the way with them on this frightening, exciting journey.

Paranormal Investigators | Short Film of the Month

Johnny, Kevin, and Ripper have driven into the middle of nowhere to shoot a video for their punk rock band. As they await the cameraperson and their team of hired background actors in a house of nondescript location and origins, the viewer is given a glimpse into the dynamics of their friendship, all along packed with humor, and fitting music.
 

The rehearsal begins with the sound just right, the music on point, and energies high... alongside the complete absence of the realization that the trio has walked into the lair of a bloodthirsty supernatural entity - an extremely creatively violent mime. There is not a moment to waste as the film weaves itself seamlessly thereafter. The slasher component of the narrative shines through with smooth special effects, and an equally invested screenplay, and writing. 

Our maniacal villain is never short of terribly horrifying, and disturbingly original ways of killing each of his victims, while the surviving bandmates scamper from one corner of the house to another in a seemingly failing bid to survive. The film soon culminates into a face-off of supernatural proportions (quite literally). The neat tying of ends follows, after not only having kept the viewer entertained all along, but also presenting a gradual trajectory of the very friendship of the three characters next to violence, blood splatter, and of course, the union of horror and humor.

The Mages of Rage | Short Film of the Day

With his dog as a constant companion, and listener of all his woes, Ari soldiers on trying to figure out the best way to lead his life. Archival footage, and pop culture references, to name a few elements that constitute this colorful, eclectic ride, are imbued with a tone of intimacy and the personal, all along tackling the age-old question echoed in the title - how to live. 

Tied with the internal struggles of an artist, and the meaning they might seek in their creative processes, in the act of constructing something from scratch, the film also presents elements of docufiction as well as of an autobiographical documentary. However, the sentiment that prevails above all is the eventual heartwarming culmination of Ari’s journey. 

The film is a success not simply because it entertains, amuses, and involves, all of which it achieves with ease, but most importantly because it leaves audiences with a sense of invincible hope that only accentuates the narrative's inherent uplifting ideas on life and the wonder of the journey that it has to offer.

How to Live | Short Film of the Month

The scene is set for a porn film to be shot. The actors, the seasoned Luna and the rookie Benjamin, are all ready too. With the frame fixed and the camera in place, only one thing stands in the way of the work from going ahead - the director of this already-doomed-work project. He is abusive, harasses the young Benjamin till no end, and ensures, despite everyone's best efforts, and gradually increasing impatience, the shoot halts more than it progresses. 

A single exchange that encapsulates the narrative most wonderfully is one that unfolds between Benjamin and Luna, as the two get candid over some junk food soon after. 
The film not only employs a fixed space with efficiency and care, alongside notable performances and chemistry but also offers a story that is heartfelt and sincere in its simplicity and vulnerability. It captures one encounter and portrays it with authenticity, taking a chewable bite and, in the process, doing full justice to the end result.

Benny Boy | Spotlight

The film opens in the intimacy of a cozy room where Josh and Mackenzie share a moment. Things between the two are getting heated when a sudden change in the conversation alters the tone and mood. Their passionate exchange comes to a halt as they begin to discuss what a purely sexual experience between the two on the last night of their trip could potentially mean for the future. 
Make-belief scenarios unfold, ideas of guilt and regret begin forming, and the what-could-have-beens and should-have-beens nestle themselves within the story. In portraying all of this, the screenplay and edit maintain an effervescence that not only stands it in good stead but also achieves a uniqueness of voice and storytelling. 
The circumstance in itself is not a unique one, but its portrayal becomes the most remarkable aspect of the film. The effortless chemistry of the actors, the two primary, but also of those who step in and out for brief durations, aids the storytelling notably. The film does not weigh itself down by trying to be anything it’s not, and in the process, allows its authentic voice to achieve all of this with ease.

What Are We Doing Here | Short Film of the Day

Theo lives by himself and is not always super enthusiastic about social interaction, be it over the phone or attending an event with a friend. However, within this life of consciously chosen quiet, an unexpected development occurs one day when a pizza boy arrives with the order. 

Moments of tension which is later undercut, and humor are interweaved seamlessly to present the developing circumstance to the viewer. A conversation ensues between the two characters in the most effortless ways, leading the viewer, and more surprisingly, the protagonist, down some very unexpected paths. In the process, an intimate story of loss, grief, and notably, of shared love between two brothers, comes into existence. 
Never burdened with sentimentalism, the film’s emotional spectrum remains lucid and impactful throughout, ensuring that all its intentions are expressed and portrayed expertly. It is further marked by well-defined visual grammar and progression that bring Theo’s world, as well as his emotional landscape to life, with ease alongside the free-flowing chemistry of the two actors.

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