The film offers an interesting mingling of poetry and the visual narrative of its choice. Unlike most short films inspired by such a piece of writing, which bring in a voiceover with corresponding visuals, Boiler adopts a refreshingly different approach. Using words written by Bob Holman, the film conjures a world of its own - one marked by unease, deep discomfort, graphic visuals and a devotion to storytelling. The story opens on a note which deceives the viewer about the direction in which its events are headed. The scene is about a couple driving on an empty highway, a potentially romantic set-up at first glance. However, this deception soon gives itself away as a sense of discomfort, elemental to the rest of the narrative, enters the picture. The film is marked by its minimalist, theatrical setting, akin to a drama unfolding on stage. The smart use of camera enables it to produce the desired effect, a deep disgust in the viewer, which, in turn, succeeds at making them part of the agitation and anxieties of the young woman and man themselves. The dialogues follow a rhythm which produce the clipped effect of staccato poetry, allowing the experimental film, despite all its abstraction, to communicate to the viewer an experience that is very relatable and mundane - visiting families during the holidays and the underlying tension that accompanies this situation.

Boiler | Short Film of the Day

The entirety of the narrative develops and concludes within the duration of an evening. The progression of events is kept abreast with the pace of the single-shot-film which introduces you to a couple about to head out for a celebratory dinner. However, what could have otherwise been a moment marked by joy and pleasure, is somehow overpowered by an undercurrent of tension, of something simmering right below the surface. All the information is revealed to the viewer in a controlled, but organic manner, allowing the story to flow smoothly and come into its own with control. The performances enhance it further, asserting in no equivocal terms that honesty, vulnerability and rawness of emotions is sometimes all that is needed to make a story work. Though the film could have gained from a better control on lighting, one is willing to accommodate it for the storytelling it offers, and the smooth visual flow of the developments. Additionally, there is a sense of intimacy and affection that is brought to life using the argument of its only two characters, who may disagree in the moment, but still have a common thread of a shared life tying and holding them together.

Argumento | Short Film of the Day

'Therapy' is an interesting endeavor in combining a sense of suspense and thrill with drama, and perhaps even a suggestion of romance. The same is achieved by a glimpse into a single morning in the life of two characters, Erin and James. At a difficult point in their relationship, the two are striving to make it work. 

Despite their absolute inability to find even a smattering of patience, ease or kindness when it comes to the other one, the two are still headed out for a couple’s therapy session. It is through their many disagreements and heated exchanges that the viewer is taken deeper into their world. 

 Matters come to a head as past grievances resurface, fresh wounds are opened and festering feelings make their presence felt. Tensions continue to rise until a brutal event sticks its head out. It is in the weaving of these several elements that we are introduced to a sincere voice of a filmmaker, which might be hesitant and unsure and only coming into its own, but is determined to make itself heard vis-à-vis its storytelling. Consequently, it leaves one with the welcome prospect of finding out what it will eventually turn out to be once it has found its footing in the realm of filmmaking.

Therapy | Short Film Nominee

The estrangement of a couple of months precedes the meeting the film presents to the viewer. The awkwardness nestled in the separation soon diffuses as the two sisters before us begin their exchange. 

What starts with banter and innocent hesitation turns into an extremely heated argument in a heartbeat, swiftly bringing the many issues and undercurrents that define a familial dynamic to the fore. It also pronounces the sentiment established in the title of the film. This escalation within the plot arrives with ease, both as a result of the performances as well as the construction of the narrative. 

The limited physical space of a single room thus comes to stand for several unresolved issues between the sisters, presenting a concise endeavor that displays a natural affinity towards storytelling, and the promise of more similar emotional explorations in the future.

Spite | Short Film Nominee

The film titles itself in a manner that sets the horizon of expectation for you even before you have stepped into its world. Consequently, the story becomes about the many sides of a conflict which sometimes can include a sense of unity, homogeneity, and perhaps, peace. 

The scene is of an interrogation, an exchange that is taking place after violence inflicted upon Mohammad, a Palestinian, by the Israeli armed forces. As Moshe conducts this interrogation, staggering realizations await both the parties. Notions of revenge, sacrifice, anger and helplessness are roped in during the course of the conversation. 

With the progressing drama, the film presents its desires to offer a comment on the cruelty, but also the futility of violence. It further exhibits utilization of limited space and resources to bring to life all of this, in the end, offering a well-intentioned, sincere result.

Conflict | Short Film Nominee

Locating itself in a world of domestic strife, the narrative unfolds from the point of view of a little boy. Stuck between the fights and arguments of his parents, the sole caregivers and adults in his life, he finds himself taking flights of fancy, closely linked to the drawings he makes, to make his present more acceptable. 

The story opens with raised voices which refuse to listen to the pleas of a mute boy. As his anxieties grow, and he moves away from the morose painting he had been coloring in with his crayons, we are introduced to a friendship he cherishes deep within his heart. In this world of his imagination, he is no longer voiceless. On the contrary, he even has a companion who not only listens to everything he has to say, but also helps him choose a brighter, more hopeful path.

 The entirety of the plot unfolds employing only shadows against a wall. Utilising limited resources, the final result comes into existence, presenting the audience with its motivations and intentions. It would be desirable to see a more firm hold on the execution of the idea in future endeavors by the team. Having said that, Light and Shades remains an honest attempt at sharing its story with you.

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