Hello ladies and gentlmen, Muldoon here on this lovely *Sunday with a kickass selection of incredible shorts. While that title above might not have been my punniest... or even make much sense for that matter, let's be real - you're here and you likely have an idea of what you're in for, titles be damned! I can only assume you're familiar with the column if you're here, and hey - if not - "Welcome!" The singular point of SATURDAY SHORTS is to check out badass films from filmmakers across the internet, talented individuals who have crafted something special out of their imagination and hardwork. This week's selection includes a little bit of self reflection, absolute fear, violence, and even a relaxing tune or two. Carve out a bit of your weekend to give these films a shot! I can only promise you won't be dissapointed! If you enjoy any of the films below today (or ever actaully), I truly do hope you reach out to the filmmakers or do whatever you can to help spread their film - be it Tweeting, posting on Facebook, or... just shooting a positive comment on whatever platform the film lives on. To put it bluntly, these filmmakers deserve admiration and respect - I can't wait to see what they all do next! Enjoy the show!
ALL QUIET
TRT: 4:24
Let's kick this party off with a solid short from Västerås, Sweden with Director Thomas Molén! "Somewhere a soldier wanders off to seek solitude and come to peace with himself. As he do so he remembers a quiet June evening, and the life that is lost." This one feels real, with images that feel like "home" where it doesn't feel like you're watching a staged situation, but real people (and animals) in an interesting situation. Be sure to check out Thomas's Vimeo Page to see more from the guy!
All Quiet from Thomas Molén on Vimeo.
SUBMARINE
TRT: 20:50
Next up is a film that was not submitted by the filmmakers, but sugget by Talkcbacker cjohnston. I always welcome Chirs's suggestions and this one is no different. Writer Director Mounia Akl crafts a story that naturally forces you into the shoes of an individual dealing with something rather terrifying. "Under the imminent threat of Lebanon’s 2015 garbage crisis, Hala, a wild child inside of a woman, is the only one to refuse evacuation, clinging to whatever remains of home." With almost 300K views already, you will no doubt see this awesome film popping up around the web, and with good reason. If you want to keep up with the filmmaker, then boom - click over to Aki's website!
Submarine from Mounia Akl on Vimeo.
TRESPASS
TRT: 11:37
Alex White has our next film! "A woman walking her dog alone in the bush has a strange encounter." I see shorts all the time and rarely do I find one that takes its time and allows shots to linger for suspense or to heighten the scenario at hand... well, I mean I rarely see it done well and TRESPASS certainly does not have that issue. Here is a masterfully tosses you on a controlled rollercoaster and introduces you to some interesting characters (and not that many for what it's worht!). Check out more of White's work over on the filmmaker's Vimeo Page!
Trespass from Alex White on Vimeo.
COOL HAIR
TRT: 9:29
Director Producer William Orozco-Cubbon has our next film, one which you might have caught at such fests as Cinema on the Edge, Zero Film Festival Los Angeles, or Lift-Off Film Festival (LA). "A sexually charged couple continue a violent crime spree across the Great American West." This one has a few moments that are a bit hard to take in, but ultimately pays off with a story that feels like a BONNIE & CLYDE for 2017. While this is the only film William has up on his Vimeo Page, if you enjoy the film - reach out to the guy!
Cool Hair from William Cubbon on Vimeo.
BASTARDGEIST - "COAST"
TRT: 5:54
Speaking for myself, it's been a funky kind of week... So a calming music video featuring gorgeous locations with music that feels right, yeah... I'll take it! Fortunately for me (and you?) Robert Castilla has the perfect silent film/music video to wrap us out. "The film was conceived after listening to his music many times and was built on creating a surreal experience without the use of green screen or CGI. It was filmed in downtown Chicago and the images you see are practical effects. The film explores the concept that every life is as valid as the next and the romantic notion of finding one's own path." If you enjoy the short, check out Robert's five Penn Films website to see more from him!
Bastardgeist - 'Coast' from Five Penn Films on Vimeo.
BOOM! I hope you enjoyed the films above with this Sunday version of SATURDAY SHORTS! (Trust me, I'm fully aware...) This column, and anything I write, have written, or will write boils down to a sincere respect for filmmaking and for how powerful cinema is. I can only hope you discovered a film and/or filmmaker today that brought something cool into your life. Check out past columns if you're in the mood for more!
SATURDAY SHORTS 2012
SATURDAY SHORTS 2013
SATURDAY SHORTS 2014
SATURDAY SHORTS 2015
SATURDAY SHORTS 2016
Pizza Delivery; Forever's Gonna Start Tonight; Epoch; Points Of Origin; Knack! (1/7/17)
Capes; Out Of The Family; Noodles; The Great Orecto; Orphans Of Ash Concept Trailer (1/14/17)
Dr. Gordz; Gleep-Glorp & Lasertag; Mindgame; Quad Diamond; From Below; Killer Queen (1/22/17)
Never Tear Us Apart; Hushy Bye; American Pride; The Restless; 2031 (2/4/17)
Wifey Redux; Whale Valley; Have Had; When The Saints (2/12/17)
The Man From Death; Tail; Whispers Among Wolves; Thing One "Nice Wife" (2/25/17)
Gravy; The Girlfriend Game; Cavern; The Horror; I'm a Homeless Princess (3/11/17)
Mordeo; The Survivor; Ultra Bleu; Barney Strong; Spin Dreams (8/19/17)
Seam; The Spirit Machine; Embers And Dust; The Lucid Engine; Ecstasy; The Good Time Girls (8/26/17)
Stoneheart; Bobo; Frostbite; Goblin Queen; Second Date; Yin & Yang (9/2/17)
Solo; Cold Shivers; Vanity Project; Bunny New Girl; Dominos Trouble (9/10/17)
Rabbit; iBuddy 2.0; Selkie; Balloonfest; Yang (9/16/17)
If you have a short and think it belongs here or are on the fence about whether to send it in, please do send it in - I'd love to see what you've put together. I've already seen hundreds of fresh new filmmakers' shorts and like any good addict, I need more!
Shoot me an email at "Mike@aintitcool.com"
In the subject line include:
“SHORTS” + “Your film’s name” + “The film’s genre”
Then, in the body of the email, please include a synopsis of the film and any contact information you might think I need or would want published. The more info you send my way, the more info there is to put with your short.
Please don’t feel the need to submit multiple times.
Remember, the filmmakers might still be in the audience, so feel free to share your thoughts in Talkbacks below. (JUST DON'T BE AN ASSHOLE). I picked them, so you know I think highly of all of these, but how about you fine folks? How'd you like 'em?
BY THE WAY: If you've had a short featured here, that means that I personally am a fan of your work, so feel free to shoot me any kind of news on new projects/films/whatever. I can't say I'll be able to help or in what capacity, but I'm interested in your work and am always down to see more! (Keep making cool stuff, everyone!)
- Mike McCutchen
"Muldoon"
Mike@aintitcool.com
