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

The path of creative pursuits is circuitous, deceptive, and often entirely missing until a relentless artist comes along to somehow conjure it with their work. The short film is a beautiful, heartfelt, and poignant exploration of the same proposition. At its heart is the articulate protagonist Thad Cockrell, a gifted musician who discovered how closely intertwined his happiness is with music very early on in his life. 

Through our introduction to Cockrell, 'To Be Enjoyed' presents a moving narrative of love for one’s art, but also of the many obstacles that plague such an equation. The unforgiving pursuit can often fail all arguments of rationality and logic, and yet, the artist returns every day to commit themselves to it each time. Cockrell himself describes it as a kind of madness, but the overarching emotion that he infuses into the film, one that becomes its driving force, is the reminder that the world needs new stories, and for them to exist, people have to live them. 

Cockrell himself is one such story - presenting to us a life of obscurity that eventually finds its way on the Jimmy Fallon show in the most unlikely manner! This realm of creativity, failure, and the stubborn refusal to give up is portrayed with sustained long shots, coupled with deeply soulful vocals of the protagonist himself. The many components tied together present a meaningful endeavor that will remind you that it’s never too late, as long as you are turning up each day to take just another stab at what you truly love.

To Be Enjoyed | Short Film of the Month

On the face of it, 'Rat Tail' is an intimate, brave, beautiful account of a person’s relationship with his hair. And yet, as the film evolves and progresses, and before the viewer can realize it, it takes us into a far darker world, eventually tying it all together with an uplifting, heartwarming message. If you have begun to wonder how could all of it be considered an organic, comprehensive or even an entertaining creative endeavor, read on. 

Filmmaker Chad Sogas employs an efficient, sophisticated edit, tied with seamless overlaps of voices from his own life, to present to you a personal account of his battles with mental illness. However, without making it didactic, overbearing or mawkish, all traps a pursuit of this kind can very easily fall into, he offers an uplifting story of hope, recovery and healing. Especially relevant in a world where the pandemic has left us with ravages of a time and existence we all struggled to cope with, the film comes at a very opportune time. 

One of many strengths of the film also becomes its ability to utilize a highly personal narrative in a manner that makes it extremely relatable and inclusive for the audience. Whether your struggles are of a similar nature or not as the protagonist, its enduring and indomitable sense of hope and acceptance will ensure that 'Rat Tail' works wonderfully on multiple levels. From storytelling to approach to narratorial progression, the film offers sophistication and smoothness in all departments, along with having its heart in the right place. After all, what is good art and storytelling, if not simply a reminder, fleeting as it might be, that perhaps we are all in this together?

Rat Tail | Short Film of the Month

The question at the heart of the film is what is the price you are willing to pay for your freedom, to not cower in shadows but unequivocally assert who you really are, and eventually live a life of acceptance, love, and hope? The answer to this is also beautifully and seamlessly nestled within the film as it introduces us to Sasha Smirnov, a Russian gay man who had to leave his country when his sexual identity became a direct threat to his life and safety. 

In Sasha, we see a man who has built a life from scratch in the US, a country far, far away from home. He is the most fitting subject to tell a story of resilience, hope, one of surmounting tremendous adversity, and yet, never losing the ability to put one foot in front of the other, to always look to the future and all the potential it holds. In the protagonist, we see the inimitable and rare combination of vulnerability and fierceness. Sasha is unmissable in the sense of hope he conjures on screen, while always being fully aware of the past, and how burdensome it can become sometimes. 
The narrative-building and storytelling of the film are compelling and skilled, alongside being notably efficient in introducing the viewer to its protagonist. It is clear in the articulation of all its intentions, and in presenting a story that is not only heartfelt and meaningful but also a well-balanced combination of self-affirmation and vulnerability, and the loud and emphatic assertion of never giving up on the hope of a better tomorrow.

At Home Among Strangers  | Short Film of the Month

One of the most appealing characteristics of art is to take something raw and aggressive and channel it into something beautiful and constructive. This assertion forms the backbone of the film, not for its own efforts to achieve this positive outcome, but due to the compelling account it offers of an initiative that does precisely the same. 

Steel Warriors is the documentation of the eponymous charity which encourages people to hand over their knives which are then recycled, followed by using the resultant steel to make outdoor gyms. Through the voices that the narrative brings in, these efforts, and the gyms they have led to, acquire an artistic appeal of their own, the status of an exalted piece of art itself. Further, a sense of community is conjured as the structures are then used for calisthenics, and the gravity-defying performances they eventually lead to. 

 The film is especially beautiful in the quiet, but powerful notions of hope it brings to life by using experiences of those who overcame obstacles to train themselves in these movements of the body, and in the process, allowed the activity to become the very tool that helped them triumph over those obstacles. The narrative remains crisp with the brevity being a strong characteristic, along with an elegant edit, lovely visuals, and the simple, lucid manner in which all of the intentions are tied together in the final product.

Steel Warriors | 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.

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links