The scene is of a dinner party, a space defined by effervescence and warmth, but also one which is not entirely devoid of complex undercurrents only waiting to make their presence felt in a more pronounced manner. Soon the host, in an attempt to keep the energy of the group high, suggests the game of Werewolf.
 The film does a notable job of using the same physical space to invoke emotions of horror as well as humor as the plot develops. Additionally, smooth handheld shots enable it to portray a pivotal sense of intimacy that serves to involve us deeper in the fate of the characters, along with bringing out the personality of each of them. Consequently, the right beats are conjured, ensuring an accurateness of rhythm, edit and flow of the conversation.
 There is further a comment to be made about the tension and stressors that often constitute a group dynamics finding an echo in the 'lynching' and 'killings' conducted within the game itself. On the whole, the final result of Werewolf presents an entertaining, engrossing product that will stay with you long after you are done watching it.

Werewolf | Short Film of the Day

Private investigators Mark Johnson and John Markson have long held dreams of becoming police officers solving crimes and helping those in need. Their reality, however, is far from that as they execute one inane task after another. From looking for dogs that are already dead to helping teenaged boys ascertain the birthday presents their father will get for them, Mark and John's life is not as adventurous as they would have preferred. Consequently, they have very little awareness of how quickly all of this is going to change. 

 As Mark gets abducted, John is forced to break out of his drunken stupor to go on a wild goose chase to save his partner and friend. The narrative develops to rope in elements of a buddy film, draw punches (albeit a little too graphic sometimes for those with a weak stomach) that achieve their target, all along generating laughs at the expense of our hapless characters. 

 John is a man on a mission who will leave (almost) no stone unturned in saving Mark, barring a small episode of forgetfulness. Now that he is set on his goal, could it be thus that the abductors are more in peril than Mark himself? The answer, and all its unexpected ramifications, lie in the film's conclusion.

Case Closed | Short Film Nominee

Two friends are out for a walk along a dark, empty path. The narrative endeavors to establish that something is amiss during this seemingly usual evening. A third presence watches them from a distance, bidding its time, waiting for the right moment to make itself known. 

The narrative operates predominantly inside the space of suggestion. Within its short duration, it also attempts to pack humor, thrill and horror. As the two friends continue to talk about their immediate, mundane reality, the plot develops to come into its own. 

The future can perhaps offer a longer, more detailed version of the current project. Currently, it presents a moment, a circumstance that can be expanded upon in later attempts.

Peekaboo | Short Film Nominee

By its own admission, the film locates itself in the horror category of found footage. Consequently, when it opens with bright, sunlight-filled, cheery visuals of a group of friends heading out for a holiday, the juxtaposition works successfully to make the viewer sit up and pay attention. It is in this particular manner that the light and the general happiness of the scene becomes deeply disconcerting. Led by their friend Lauren to whose family the farm belongs, the four characters have arrived at a ranch that is abandoned and empty now. Along with the aforementioned contrast in the atmosphere of the story, the film also plays with its edit to constantly enforce the unease inherent to the narrative. The visual development, weaving of the scenes and camerawork employed to tell the story are all notable characteristics of the film, as are the performances. The progression of events, however, seems like it could have benefited from more time spent on each aspect, if they were allowed more room to stretch their limbs and come into their own organically. Overall, the film is an entertaining and engaging watch, marked by its dedication to storytelling and to keep its audience uncertain and concerned about the fate of the characters.

Camping Fun | Short Film Nominee

Two men oscillate between different activities; while one of them busies himself with his feeble and unsuccessful attempts at writing, the other is preoccupied with watching films and lighting up different smoking-related paraphernalia. Within its short duration, the film attempts to pack a complete punch that includes elements of the buddy film, comedy and action. The endeavor to achieve all of this is thus presented in the form of the final product to the viewer, almost attempting a narrative located inside a narrative, using the grammar of the film itself to show how another film is made by our two characters. It is at this juncture that comedy is overpowered by action. The treatment and approach of the narrative exhibits a freshness of thought. However, the subsequent result could have gained from a more organic pace, allowing the development of events before you more coherence, aiding the viewer's comprehension. On the whole, however, the film remains a fun ride to venture on, as our characters progress from one misadventure to another.

Tribe: The Making of Vice Cops | Short Film Nominee

Four friends are about to meet for a night of camping. Though the initial plan was to watch the sunset, suggests the film, it got delayed into the darkness of the night because of one of them. Soon, they are all portrayed as being associated with one specific trait or characteristic each which stands out the most, overpowering all other aspects of their life or personality. 

One of the men is shown to be a glutton, the other struggling with a clingy girlfriend towards who, in turn, he has become distant. The third friend is portrayed as being insensitive and dismissive, marked by a lack of respect for others. The fourth friend, who seems to be the most level-headed of them all, is shown to lose his calm and make a personal attack when he has had too much of his friend's callous behaviour. In a nut-shell, these are the four personalities that are put together for a trip in a remote place that seems to be very far from any and all civilisation. The first sense of foreboding in the story is marked by a little tea-shop they stop at where they are warned by the owner to not venture any further. Next, they stumble across a frenzied man who seems to be running away from something, while being mortally injured. However, despite all of these imminent threats of danger, they continue to go ahead with their plan. As the various demonic developments begin to occur, the film exhibits a dedicated desire to invoke horror and tell its story. Though better control on light and shadows would have benefited it, along with smoother dubbing, it still comes across as a zealous endeavour to share a narrative of a night gone terribly awry.

The Last Chance | Short Film Nominee

Two characters in the middle of a field, a duel about to break out as the opponents face each other, but just when the stage has been set, the narrative undercuts the intensity it might have suggested so far with a comedic addition. The situation is thus revealed to the viewer, and the short narrative, marked by simply the portrayal of a single moment, comes into being.

 Henry and 'Iron Sides' were supposed to work on a history project, but the former, seemingly missed some crucial details about all that it entailed. Instead of the PowerPoint presentation they could have done, he is now in the middle of attempts of delineating a confrontation between adversaries in the Wild West.

 The final result is a devoted endeavor, but one which could have gained from a tighter control on its lighting, as well as with a slightly more elaborate narrative. Having said that, A Good 'Ole Fashioned Duel remains sweet and sincere, presenting the viewer with the honest attempts of a dedicated team.

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links