Disappearing into Feeling: Hollywood Theatre Short Film Festival

I was one of the lucky few who got the chance to check out some projects ahead of time for the Hollywood Theatre Short Film Festival happening this August 27th. Let me tell you, this collection is unabashedly experimental. It's clear that the filmmakers love what they do, which is why you should go support these emerging indie artists!

FLYMAN

Taking emotion by its fingers and stretching it across the span of the screen, FLYMAN delves into the journey of grief and healing. In what might seem disorienting at first, the short film bombards viewers with a dizzying array of poetic and undeniably impressive special effects, showcasing the dramatic out-of-body experience that encompasses loss. FLYMAN might not seem all that personal, but it situates viewers in the center of emotion in a way that is both overwhelming and surreal.

What stands out about this short film is the way that it retroactively resonates; in the aftermath of the narrative, the effects of the protagonist's depression lingers at the back of your skull, living on even after he finds some light. There is something haunting yet evocative about the way the film experiments with visual effects, light, and imagery to suffocate the screen with the intensity of the out-of-body sensation. It's hard not to float away with him, and in the same vein, to be momentarily grounded by the sight of clean laundry and a look so hopeful that the sun does come up.

Thick As Mince

You can't go wrong with the call center, cancel subscription bit, but Thick As Mince somehow managed to enhance that sketch in a way that felt natural and fun. I will say, Oliver Kelly (Thomas D. Pearson) carried the film with his flawless performance; and, although you couldn't see him, the calls sales agent (Chris Byron) helped create a relationship between the two that flowed seamlessly.

True to its title, there isn't really much depth to their bit; Oliver Kelly gets locked in a cycle trying to cancel his subscription and the calls sales agent begins gaslighting him. They get stuck. It's genuinely hilarious. Wait till you get to the name bit. That entire conversation was unique and somehow, in the stupidest way (and I mean this as an absolute compliment) entirely engaging. I was caught up in the story of Shaun/Shawn. At one point, I too started to believe that Oliver wasn't his real name. Applause to Brennen Little for his knack for dialogue writing.

With its phenomenal cinematography, lighting, and sound (especially sound), this short film demonstrates an ease and proficiency in filmmaking that feels like a breath of fresh air.

The Best Part of My Life

The Best Part of My Life offers a disruption from the day-to-day when the main protagonist falls back into her past. In the most succinct manner, the short film reminds us of the importance of stepping away from routine and remembering what we love the most about life outside of the four walls of work.

Choosing to exclude dialogue might seem like a bold choice, but by doing so, the short film is able to create a sense of isolation and yearning that takes over the screen. The main character's journey outside of the office and into the past enables her to remember the beauty of life and it also pushes us as viewers to look outside of ourselves.

I will admit, it took me a couple watches to understand what this film was trying to say, but I think that it intentionally leaves space for viewers to form their own interpretations. The short film did a good job of creating disruption, of reconciling the past with the present so that there can be a little bit of joy and colour in all of our lives.

The Stage

I first saw this at the Run N Gun festival, and it stood the test of time because upon rewatching it, I only found a reason to enjoy this short film more.

Think about the last time you failed and also felt embarrassed as a bunch of people watched you? Don't want to? Well, this short film will unabashedly remind you of that very moment. Not that that's a bad thing. In fact, this short film demonstrates an ability to evoke anxiety that feels all-consuming.

What really stands out about this film is how it immerses viewers in a perpetual state of tension. From music choice, to lighting, to the fast cut shots, and abrupt, snappy dialogue between Jess (Jessica Bernard) and her friends (and also Donald), The Stage suffocates its viewers with stress as Jess navigates the aftermath of walking offstage mid-performance. I say this as the greatest of compliments, but The Stage feels very reminiscent of Shiva, Baby with its close-up shots, quick paced conversations, and build-up of music. Just when you think your heart can't pound faster, the short film reminds you that there is no mistake that can't be rectified.

The Stage proves that sometimes simpler is better. If you want to feel both stressed and also empowered, go watch this!

To be able to express a feeling with such depth and honesty within the span of less than ten minutes is a challenging feat, but each of these films went above and beyond expectations. From grief, to frustration, to nostalgia, to courage, each film worked hard to immerse its viewers in the depths of its emotions. The short films tackled and unravelled heavy and complex feelings in a way that felt natural and true. The biggest pleasure was seeing all of these artists create stories that they are passionate about.

The Short Film Festival is happening at the Hollywood Theatre on August 27th, 6-7pm! 

You can find all the information here: https://www.hollywoodtheatre.ca/events/hollywood-theatre-short-film-festival