ONLY THE BEST SHORT FILMS
Film of the Week: Latched by Brunner & Harding
Latched by Brunner & Harding (2017) (USA) (17m) 
Latched is a short horror film with Hollywood production values that did very well on the short flim festival circuit. It follows the story single mother, Alana, and her breast-feeding toddler, Bowen, who arrive for an autumn break in their island cottage so Alana can work on her dance choreography. Alana has an unfortunate habit of closing her eyes while dancing and Bowen soon pulls out what looks like a dead fairy from the hollow of a tree. When spilt breast milk brings the creature to life, it turns out that it is not a benevolent being and Alana will need to keep her eyes open.
Fry Up by Charlotte Regan (2017) (UK) (8m)
Fry Up was in competition at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. It tells the story of a teenage son who has to return to court today to receive his sentance for an unkonwn crime. Knowing that he will be given a custodial sentence, he and his parents have to come to terms with the fact that this is the last morning they will spend together for some time. Regan has previously been nominated for a BAFTA with her comedy short film Standby.
Period Piece by James McLellen (2014) (USA) (12m)
We celebrate Halloween with the overlooked Period Piece, which was entered into one of the competitions. It sees a film director struggling to get her schmaltzy climax finished in a dangerous world. Imagine The Walking Dead where they are trying to continue the film industry. Set on a ranch in the American midwest, it opens with what appears to be a terrible cliche but all is not as it seems...
The Rizzle by Josh Tanner (2018) (Australia) (4m)
The Rizzle sees a teenage girl watching online videos of dancers from the 1920s when she stumbles across one called the Rizzle. Having watched the energetic dance, the video challenges her to perform it herself. Knowing this is a horror film, the viewer can assume that performing the said dance will be akin to saying "Candyman" five times. Unfortunately, our heroine is unaware that she is trapped within the a horror film and is thus in for a rude awakening.
Fauve by Jeremy Comte (2018) (Canada) (15m)
Fauve (Wildcat) played at many major short film festivals, winning a fair number of awards. It is easy to see why and one would be surprised if it is not nominated for an Oscar in 2019. Although everything about it is wonderful, the acting of the two leads really is astonishing. It follows two fairly feral kids who wander onto a massive surface mine in a sparsely populated part of Canada. However, in seeking to avoid being seen by a delivery truck, they find themselves in a sort of quicksand at the bottom of one of the pits. Still messing about, will they realise the danger they are in before something serious happens?
A(r)men by Thomas Lunde (2013) (Norway) (14m)
A(R)MEN is a great dialogue-free comedy, with a story a little reminiscent of the 1986 feature film All Of Me. In A(R)MEN the introspective Arne loses his arm in an industrial accident but soon finds it growing back. His exultation turns to trepidation when he discovers the miracle arm has a life of its own, but a directness that ladies find appealing. Arne finds himself on a date with a woman from his church choir. However, his arm is a heavy partier and the night takes an unexpected turn.
The Brink by Ben Jendras (2015) (USA) (7m)
The Brink won the People's Choice award in the 10th FILMSshort competition, proving its ability to capture the imagination. Directed by American filmmaker Ben Jendras, The Brink sees a man deserted in an endless wasteland. When he sees the sun glinting off a distant object, he sets off towards it but is blocked by another survivor, who assures him he cannot overcome the massive chasm in front separating them from rescue. But who is this second man, and why is our hero here anyway? All will be revealed.
Balcony by Lendita Zeqiraj (2013) (Kosovo) (20m)
Balcony was a hit on the festival circuit, winning many awards. A black comedy, its story centres around a 10-year-old boy sitting on the edge of a 4th floor balcony and spitting at passers-by. These passers-by, worried that he might fall, call the police for help. The police have no idea what do, so call the fire service. With every passer-by stopping to have their say, the situation quickly becomes unmanageable. "It's an observation of the mindset of our society, which may quickly deviate into an absurd situation".
A Little Grey by Simon Hewitt & Steve Smith (2016) (UK) (5m)
Winner of the GRAND PRIZE and BEST ANIMATED SHORT in the FILMSshort competition, A Little Grey is a beautifully made animation that asks a simple question: is there any cure for being a little grey? One man’s search takes him through bars, churches, doctor’s surgeries, tattoo parlours and beyond, but will he find what he’s looking for? It is a colourful story about losing your spark and finding redemption.
Still Standing by Ollie Blake (2018) (UK) (2m)
Still Standing has won the BEST SHORT SHORT in the FILMSshort competition. A slightly experimental film delving into the pysche of a man who is determined to win no matter what the obstacles and the personal cost. In this non-narrative short film starring Warren Sollars a series of well-crafted visuals presents us with a boxer preparing for a fight while a voiceover informs us of the mental fortitude needed to overcome his opponent. It is a glimpse into the spirit of courage and bravery.
