In a digital age saturated with clout-chasing and online validation, Celebrity finds something rare: sincerity. Directed by Conner Farias, this sharply edited and emotionally resonant short film turns the lens inward on internet fame, exploring how the pursuit of virality can distort real relationships, until something unexpected brings them back into focus. The story follows Cameron Anderson, a cocky YouTube prankster played with surprising depth by David Rios.
Read MoreL'Histoire Des Larmes De La Princesse (2016)
Kristyan Mann’s L’Histoire Des Larmes De La Princesse is a beguiling and imaginative ten-minute short that taps directly into the fantastical tradition of silent-era fairy tales. Released in 2016 and shot in black-and-white, the film feels like it could’ve been pulled from the dusty archives of early European cinema, yet it maintains a sharp sense of authorship and modern vision beneath its vintage surface. Written, directed, produced, and edited by Mann himself, this short is a true passion project and an impressive showcase of how much emotion, story, and style can be packed into a brief runtime when a filmmaker understands the language of silent storytelling.
Read MoreLottie (2025)
There are performances that portray adolescence, and then there are performances that embody it—raw, volatile, and terrifyingly real. Megan Osyen’s turn in Lottie is the latter: an unflinching, aching portrayal of a teenage girl teetering on the edge of reality. Under the delicate yet daring direction of Bella Rieth, Osyen delivers a performance so immersive it doesn’t feel like acting—it feels like confession.
Read MorePocket Princess (2024)
Growing up with a deep love for stop-motion animation, I’ve always considered it a gift anytime a new project in the medium lands in my queue for review. Olivia Loccisano’s Pocket Princess is no exception—this beautifully unsettling short film is a dark little gem that reminds us just how powerful animation can be when paired with weighty, real-world themes. The visual style is instantly nostalgic, calling to mind the charming simplicity of vintage bumpers from Pee-wee’s Playhouse or the surreal elasticity of Gumby.
Read MoreLiquor Bank (2025)
Filmmaker Marcellus Cox brings a heartfelt story of redemption to life in Liquor Bank, a short drama inspired by a true story. With a concise yet impactful 15-minute runtime, the film follows an ex-Marine struggling with alcohol dependency, offering a moving exploration of personal growth and the power of unconditional brotherhood. The film opens with Eddie, his phone alarm ringing persistently on his nightstand. Empty beer bottles beside it hint at the night before.
Read MoreSoul Reaper (2024)
Soul Reaper, directed by Janella “Nella Writes” Northern and written by Shacqeal Sanders, presents a unique blend of supernatural storytelling with an urban aesthetic. Produced by Poetic Stories, this ambitious short film introduces audiences to a world where witches and warlocks walk among us, surviving for centuries by stealing souls. Set against the backdrop of North Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, the film crafts an intriguing premise that, while not without its flaws, shows great potential for expansion into a full-length feature.
Read MoreConveyance (2024)
House hunting is terrifying enough without supernatural interference, but Conveyance—a sharp and engaging short film from writer-director Gemma Creagh—adds an extra layer of dread to the process. This well-crafted horror-comedy follows young couple Brian and Suzanne as they finally land their dream home after a string of disappointments. The catch?
Read MoreSynthesize Me (2025) #SXSW
In Synthesize Me, director Bear Damen crafts an intimate and haunting tale of grief, memory, and connection through music. Set in April 1989 in a liminal town near Mexico City, the short film follows young teenager Violeta as she attempts to bring her late mother’s synthesizers back to life—only to unleash disastrous consequences for both her and her father. Delivered in a visually striking 4:3 aspect ratio, Synthesize Me feels both classic and timeless, immersing viewers in its vintage aesthetic while maintaining an emotional core that is deeply resonant.
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