Making A Case For The Short Film: Top Ten Short Films To Watch
When thinking about films, most of our minds immediately go to feature length films - it’s where my mind goes at least. What is so amazing about the world of film is that a story can have power, no matter how long its run time is. So, let me introduce you to the world of short films. Short films often serve as a break into the industry for many directors early on in their career, however they also hold a significant place within the film industry, in their own right. Whether you’re only just getting into shorts or you want to explore the world of shorts further, I’ve compiled a list of ten short films that I believe are worth your time.
You have to start somewhere, so I suggest starting with these...
ONE CAMBODIAN FAMILY PLEASE FOR MY PLEASURE, directed by A.M. Lukas (Anna Martemucci)
This film follows a lonely Franka, a Czech refugee, played by Emily Mortimer, as she writes a letter to the Lutheran Refugee Service requesting they send a Cambodian refugee family to settle in her new town of Fargo, North Dakota. This film is a must watch for two reasons. The first is its beautiful cinematography. The way this film is executed is captivating; light and color creates a tone that matches with Franka’s writing, which we hear through a voice-over throughout. In this way, the tone of melancholia mixed with hope is expressed visually, inviting you to connect with Franka on a personal level. The second reason to watch this film is for the ending; the way the film comes together in a simple yet overwhelming way, to push the idea of human interaction and connection despite one’s differences, is reason enough to watch. I won’t say more on how impactful the ending is - I would just watch it to feel for yourself.
SQUIRREL, directed by Alex Kavutskiy
Squirrel is a black comedy that follows Patrick, as he attempts to apologize to Noreen after causing a car crash that left her permanently injured. This film is worthwhile because of its sheer, cringe-worthy narrative. Not only will it make you laugh in embarrassment for the characters, it will serve as a reminder of the importance of not texting whilst driving. If you’re interested in a film that plays with the theme of performative remorse in the world of a dark comedy, definitely check this one out.
THE NEIGHBORS’ WINDOW, directed by Marshall Curry
This film won the award for Best Live Action Short Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, and it is not hard to see why. Inspired by a true story, the film follows the story of Alli, a young mother who has grown tired with her daily routine and husband. However her life is revived as she realizes she can see into the apartment of two free-spirited twenty-somethings that have moved in across the street. One of the biggest takeaways from this story - that I find myself still thinking about all this time after first watching it - is that our own world and the worlds of others can appear much different from the outside perspective. This reminds us of the importance of appreciating those in our lives and the love that we have around us each day. Watch this if you want a heartwarming story to remind you that the small hardships in life are worth it.
POZOLE, directed by Jessica Mendez Siqueiros
This film is bright, funny, and heartwarming. Pozole is a dark comedy about what it’s like, and what it means to be the odd one out in the family. Maia is a mixed race Latina woman who doesn’t eat meat. She tries to reconnect with her traditional Mexican roots on Nana's 100th birthday, but things go terribly wrong. This film is worth checking out for its beautiful portrayal of family traditions and love. Watch this for a comforting laugh, and narrative that will be sure to make you feel good by the end.
HE’S THE ONE, directed by Jessie Kahnweiler
TW: Rape
This film is another dark comedy about falling for the person you are supposed to never love. This film deals with the tough subject of rape and raises an important conversation of how it can be processed and dealt with in different ways by victims. What this film brings is questions, conflicting feelings, and the harsh realities of the aftermath of sexual assault. Watching He’s The One will incite conversation on the importance of compassion and working towards understanding past traumas and their lasting effects.
MILLER & SON, directed by Asher Jelinsky
This film follows a trans woman as she works in her fathers auto shop by day and expresses herself freely by night. Her life is lived in a compartmentalized equilibrium until an event threatens to throw it off its balance. Miller & Son is important for its portrayal of the divided life of a trans woman as she is surrounded by those who she knows won’t accept her. The performances are captivating and precise, creating a film that is raw and real. This should be watched in support of LGBTQ+ artists and stories, because characters like Ryan deserve to be seen.
CALLBACK, directed by Sabina Vajraca
TW: Sexual Assault
This is another narrative that deals with the theme of sexual assault and its harrowing, enduring effects. It centres around Laura, a talented but struggling actress who faces an encounter with an A-list director. She has to make a decision of whether to take the role or stand up for what is right. Callback is an important story because it presents the horrible realities of the entertainment industry. Laura is a passionate and strong character who ultimately chooses to stand up for herself and for what she knows is right. Watch this to be reminded of the power of your own voice, and that change can happen if you speak up for what is important - both for yourself and others.
MADE PUBLIC, directed by Foster Wilson
Made Public is a great film to watch if you are a fan of narratives that poke fun of social media culture. This comedy film follows Dave after he has gone viral at the expense of his cold feet on the eve of his wedding. This is a fun film that plays with how much people have come to rely on the opinions and decisions of others, especially those on our follow and friends lists. This film will make you laugh, and reflect on how much you search for the approval of people on the Internet. Jeanine Mason and Josh Zuckerman star in this short that will definitely leave you feeling good and reflective of what role social media plays in your life.
UNFORGIVABLE, directed by Giosue Petrone
This documentary film is extremely impactful and 100% worth your time and attention. This story follows the relationship between Alice, a Tutsi woman who lost her child and her hand in the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, and Emmanuel, the Hutu man who attacked her and her family. This documentary explores the importance of forgiveness and strength. It will teach you about the Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 and the brutal treatment of them during this event. Beyond the educational, historical aspect, this film is a must watch for its lesson of forgiveness. Emmanuel finds Alice, confesses his actions and together they now run the Ukuri Kuganze Association. The Association provides housing and counseling for genocide survivors and facilitates reconciliation between the survivors and their former attackers. This is an extremely powerful story of what bringing forgiveness into your life can do. I cannot recommend this film enough.
SKIN, directed by Guy Nattiv
If you only watch one film from this list, make it this one. Skin is a short film that follows a young boy as he has an innocent encounter with a Black man at the supermarket and his father and friends react to the exchange with extreme racial violence. The encounter leads the two families into a rivalry that ends with a shocking response. This film is important as it is explicitly relevant to the racism that has been present in North America for so long. Watching Skin will incite conversations about how racism is taught and the realities that Black people face daily. This film is hard to watch, but extremely important.
I hope this list can help you to discover a love and appreciation for short films, and how powerful they can be. From comedy, to drama, to documentary, you can find a story to cherish and connect with no matter its length. Next time you find yourself in a movie slump and can’t bring yourself to focus on a full feature length film, consider taking a step into the world of short films. I promise you won’t be disappointed.