College Shorts
Never having seen short films before, I had no idea what I’d gotten myself into with this selection. Luckily, I was very, very, happily surprised.
Ultramarine
While the intent was there, I wasn’t too impressed. A depressed teen finds a friend, but as his depression worsens, he considers the unthinkable. The ending was a let-down, both in it’s quickness and it’s predictability. I think it could be better if it were reworked some.
‘Til Death (College Short)
A young boy loses his soul mate, and sets out to bring her back from the dead with the help of a super creepy guy. This short hit me in the stomach at the end. I applaud the creativity of this film, as I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I’d watch it again in a heartbeat!
Clean
A young woman working at a dry cleaner’s discovers a terrible secret, and must decide what to do about it. Seo-Young Jun, the director wanted to create a story that notices the things that usually go unnoticed, and show that our society isn’t as clean as we think it is. A good effort, with a somewhat open ending, however the motivation of the main character is decidedly iffy. Jun was aware of the issues, but asserted that you don’t know what you would actually do, in that situation. Though I’m not sure if I agree with her, it’s still a very thought-provoking short film.
Sheltered Love
This is one of my favorite short films of the weekend. In the 1950’s, during the height of the Cold War, a young woman and her greaser boyfriend try to find a little romance away from the watchful eye of her over-protective father. Done in black and white, it’s a wonderful homage to the visual style of that time, while also giving the modern audience a lot of laughs along the way. If you ever get the chance, please do see this!
Dollop
A warm story of a young boy befriending an old man with a terrible past, this short is simple and straightforward. I wasn’t moved to tears, but I would watch it again.
We Are Enemies
During WWII, a Russian soldier and a German soldier bond after one realizes he can’t execute the other. Shown without subtitles, and with each soldier speaking their respective languages, you get to guess along with the other soldier when one tries to relay something. Though I’m not usually one for war stories, I thought this was pretty interesting.
Anniversary
I’ll admit it: I nearly cried at the end of this short. An old man must deal with the loss of his deceased wife, on their anniversary. With a wonderful cast, and some fantastic flash-back scenes, I really was tearing up by the end. If you can, go see it, it was just amazing.
For The Birds
This one also got to me quite a bit. A young Iranian girl is sentenced to hang for adultery. Inspired by the true story from 2004, this is a brutal look at unfair laws. The short was very well done, with wonderful acting and cinematography. Check the film festivals, and if you see that it’s showing, it’d be terrible to miss it.
As an avid Jill-Of-All-Trades, I dabble in many things, but I've always been passionate about writing and photography. I read like a fiend, all sorts of genres and authors, and I hope someday to write my own novels. I've been taking pictures since I was little, and I strive to improve my skills everytime I pick up a camera. I love all kinds of movies, from those terrible-yet-hilarious B movies to the latest superhero blockbusters. I play video games, roleplaying games, even Magic: The Gathering (much to the chagrin of my wallet, at times), because I adore delving into these other, amazing, created worlds. Check out all my interests and projects, or get in touch with me, on my Facebook page at: Http://www.facebook.com/SamanthaCantrellAZ
