‘Prazinburk Ridge’ brings to life a poignant true story from the First World War, and does so with tools that completely eschew sentimentalism, a characteristic that often weighs down stories dealing with similar subjects and themes. On the contrary, it presents a sophisticated, moving narrative about the courage of Douglas Clark, a celebrated English football player who was enlisted in the national armed forces during the War. 

Intrinsic to the narrative are ideas of resilience and bravery, even in the face of mortal peril. However, what works most beautifully when it comes to the narratorial progression, ensuring each of these emotions and sentiments is allowed the attention it deserves, is the animated treatment by the one-man crew of the film. 

An Impressionistic visual style of dynamic boundaries, devoid of harsh, fixed lines, portrays the film’s reality for us. Despite the grimness of the subject, the loud riot of colors before you keeps your attention engaged throughout. The filmmaker’s intentions are painted using a 3D graphics tool, Unreal Engine, further exhibiting a true triumph for animation storytelling, while also ensuring that this particular narrative that hyper-localizes itself to a single moment during the First World War, stays with you long after you are done interacting with it.

Prazinburk Ridge | Short Film of the Day

The documentary introduces the viewer to cyclist Lloyd Taylor. Through his clarity of thought and the honesty in its expression, Taylor paints an entire canvas of an athlete’s journey. 

From the resultant loneliness and isolation, to the deep meaning and sense of purpose that can be found there - the whole portrait is presented to the viewer. The film achieves all of this with seamlessness in terms of storytelling and screenplay. It remains true to everything it wishes to convey. By way of a sleek edit, its background score, and distinctly stylistic choices, it brings to life energy and an upbeatness fitting for a film that has an athlete as its subject. 

The result is marked by a beautiful visual progression. The storytelling remains tight and crisp, bolstered by Taylor's lucid and undiminished voice. At the heart of it all, there is a sense of hope as well as comfort to be found in a journey that is not devoid of its obstacles, but if offered single-minded dedication, is also one that turns out to be immensely rewarding.

Mastery | Spotlight

A beautiful, shadowy world gives the viewer a glimpse into the life of British boxer Robbie Chapman, professionally known as the Camden Caretaker. By the interweaving of the visuals with the voiceover, a realm defined by perseverance and determination is conjured. 

The camera work is especially notable in capturing the swiftness and sturdiness of an athlete’s lived reality, along with imbuing it with a sense of the personal and intimate. The consequent narrative is defined by a sleekness that is at the core of any film that endeavors to explore a sport or a character rooted deep within it. Though not an easy task to undertake, 'Diamond in the Dirt' does a remarkable job of achieving its goals. 

Much like the boxer, all of the film’s punches land, ensuring that the viewer remains involved in its crisp brevity. The choice of words, as well as the visuals, shows control and thought, allowing the end result to succeed by all measures.

Diamond in the Dirt | Short Film of the Day

The entirety of the film unfolds within the same physical space of a basketball court where the dribbling and scored baskets come to stand for the metaphorical dueling between Coach Pickle and his son and trainee Mitch. Amidst the many rigorous moves, the resentful, bitter equation is laid bare for the viewer to witness in all its nuances and complications. 

The tussle between what one wishes to do and what one is forced to do is portrayed with sincerity. Both performances do justice to the screenplay and demands of the script. While sometimes the dramatic element threatens to border into the extreme, the film does eventually reign it back in, to eventually achieve a single, cohesive whole. 
 At the end of it all, ‘Tiny, Texas’ presents an uplifting story of perseverance, crucial battles, with the most formidable adversary - those we love, and sometimes even the self, and finally finding a way to never let go of a dream.

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