This week I have added a page of Sundance Winning Animations to my short films website.
The first film, Doc Ellis and the LSD No-No, comes from last year's Sundance Film Festival. Doc Ellis, who died in 2008, was a major league baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates and best known for throwing a 'no-hitter' or 'no-no' (like bowling a lot of maiden overs!) against San Diego in 1970 and then admitting that he had thrown this 'no-no' while under the influence of LSD. It is this infamous incident that he narrates himself to a drug-fuelled backdrop in this engrossing Sundance animation.
Ryan by Chris Landreth is on one of my oscar animation pages too so I won't got into too much detail here. It is, of course, brilliant.
The next film is Papillon d'Armour by Nicolas Provost. I will tell anyone who will listen to me that Kurosawa was the best director that ever lived. Most of Hollywood is indebted to him on some level. So imagine my delight that Belgian filmmaker Nicolas Provost created this mesmerizing, reflective montage of Kurosawa's work.
Papillon d'Armour (Butterfly of Love) won an honourable mention at the 2004 Sundance Flim Festival.
The last film on the page is More by Mark Osborne, which won at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival. Mark Osborne was a co-director on the Dreamworks film,Kung Fu Panda, so has now 'made it'. In this Sundance winning and Oscar nominated short, a factory worker is at odds with the dark world he inhabits as he plays his part in the mass production of devices that promise happiness. In his spare time he creates something he wants to share with the world. To embed More I have had to replace the original soundtrack with DJ Shadow's Building Steam with a Grain of Salt...
Enjoy!
Showing posts with label free short films. Show all posts
Showing posts with label free short films. Show all posts
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Best Short Films From Germany
This week I have added a Best German Short Films page to www.filmsshort.com
It seems to me that German cinema is still struggling to get past the Holocaust and this is partly reflected in the most recent example of a short film from Germany - Toyland (Spielzeugland).
The idea of another Holocaust film, even an oscar winner from Germany, is not necessarily an enthralling idea. However, I challenge you to not have a lump in the back of your throat by the end of Toyland. Set in 1942, and co-written by the director Jochen Freydank and Johann A. Bunners, 'Toyland' is the euphemistic name a German mother invents when her son asks where his Jewish neighbours are going.
An ending reminiscent of Sophie's Choice makes it all worthwhile.
Then comes High Maintenance by Philip Van. A science-fiction short film and Sundance winner, High Maintenance was written by Scot Simon Biggs and directed by American Philip Van, but produced in Germany. Van says, 'I aimed to make a film about the future but emblematic of our era' and thus we find an attractive middle-class couple at dinner, but with the woman failing to get the romantic responses she wants from her 'man'... could I put this on my romance page?
Next comes Black Rider a drama/comedy from German director Pepe Danquart that proves some Germans do indeed have a sense of humor. Filmed in black & white, there is a sure European feel to it but this didn't stop it winning the Oscar in 1994. It is a simple story of bigotry and comical revenge.
I finish off with True by Tom Tykwer, most famous for Run Lola Run!.True stars Natalie Portman and was commissioned as one of the segments of Paris, Je T'aime - a collection of short films financed by the French capital. It is one of the few that stands on its own. Portman is an actress studying at the Conservatoire, who falls for a blind Frenchman. The film starts with what is apparently her break-up telephone call... but watch it!
Enjoy!
It seems to me that German cinema is still struggling to get past the Holocaust and this is partly reflected in the most recent example of a short film from Germany - Toyland (Spielzeugland).
The idea of another Holocaust film, even an oscar winner from Germany, is not necessarily an enthralling idea. However, I challenge you to not have a lump in the back of your throat by the end of Toyland. Set in 1942, and co-written by the director Jochen Freydank and Johann A. Bunners, 'Toyland' is the euphemistic name a German mother invents when her son asks where his Jewish neighbours are going.
An ending reminiscent of Sophie's Choice makes it all worthwhile.
Then comes High Maintenance by Philip Van. A science-fiction short film and Sundance winner, High Maintenance was written by Scot Simon Biggs and directed by American Philip Van, but produced in Germany. Van says, 'I aimed to make a film about the future but emblematic of our era' and thus we find an attractive middle-class couple at dinner, but with the woman failing to get the romantic responses she wants from her 'man'... could I put this on my romance page?
Next comes Black Rider a drama/comedy from German director Pepe Danquart that proves some Germans do indeed have a sense of humor. Filmed in black & white, there is a sure European feel to it but this didn't stop it winning the Oscar in 1994. It is a simple story of bigotry and comical revenge.
I finish off with True by Tom Tykwer, most famous for Run Lola Run!.True stars Natalie Portman and was commissioned as one of the segments of Paris, Je T'aime - a collection of short films financed by the French capital. It is one of the few that stands on its own. Portman is an actress studying at the Conservatoire, who falls for a blind Frenchman. The film starts with what is apparently her break-up telephone call... but watch it!
Enjoy!
Sunday, 9 January 2011
Film London & More Drama
I have broken my word and added two new pages to my website filmsshort.com this week. As my collection of short films grew, and especially as I hunted down those that won major festivals and awards I realised that I had more drama short films than any other genre. This is because festivals tend to reward drama, just as the Oscars do. So I added another drama page. In all honesty I could add several more drama short film pages but that would rather defy the point of having a deliberately small collection of the very best of each genre.
If you haven't seen The Last 3 Minutes by Po Chan then I suggest you go there. Written and directed by American cinematographer Po Chan, The Last 3 Minutes is an unashamedly tear-jerking flashback through a dying man's life. Every shot is lovingly crafted and there are some beautiful American landscapes! I've tried to get in touch with Po to find an official version but have been unable to find a contact. There is high-definition version with lots of background videos on another YouTube page but am not sure if that's Po's upload or not!
Then I really treat you with three festival winning dramas:
Tanghi Argentini (Argentine Tangos) by Belgian filmmaker Gus Thys (2006), Before Dawn by Hungarian Bálint Kenyeres, and Black Rider (Schwarzfahrer) by German Pepe Danquart.
As if all that wasn't enough, I then went and added a Film London page. Film London is taking over responsibility for attracting investment and film productions to the whole of the UK in the government's shake up of the quangos (and subsequent disintegration of the somewhat nepotistic Film Council). Film London has backed many short films over the last decade through various schemes, most notably their Borough Film Fund and Pulse - the latter theoretically being a step up. However, there have been some very bad misses in amongst the hits (and perhaps more misses than hits), which is very worrying to a film-maker looking for backing. When I talk to new producers I often hear the same fears: bodies tend to invest in people they know rather than the strongest script - and let's be honest: at investment stage the script has to come first!
Having said that, Film London has invested in some talented film-makers over the years and I add what I believe are the best of the available short films out there. It's up to you to decide how worthy they are. Peter & Ben is a lovely documentary and Pop Art is a skilful piece of fiction filmmaking - though I'm still not totally sure what it's trying to say. Enjoy!
If you haven't seen The Last 3 Minutes by Po Chan then I suggest you go there. Written and directed by American cinematographer Po Chan, The Last 3 Minutes is an unashamedly tear-jerking flashback through a dying man's life. Every shot is lovingly crafted and there are some beautiful American landscapes! I've tried to get in touch with Po to find an official version but have been unable to find a contact. There is high-definition version with lots of background videos on another YouTube page but am not sure if that's Po's upload or not!
Then I really treat you with three festival winning dramas:
Tanghi Argentini (Argentine Tangos) by Belgian filmmaker Gus Thys (2006), Before Dawn by Hungarian Bálint Kenyeres, and Black Rider (Schwarzfahrer) by German Pepe Danquart.
As if all that wasn't enough, I then went and added a Film London page. Film London is taking over responsibility for attracting investment and film productions to the whole of the UK in the government's shake up of the quangos (and subsequent disintegration of the somewhat nepotistic Film Council). Film London has backed many short films over the last decade through various schemes, most notably their Borough Film Fund and Pulse - the latter theoretically being a step up. However, there have been some very bad misses in amongst the hits (and perhaps more misses than hits), which is very worrying to a film-maker looking for backing. When I talk to new producers I often hear the same fears: bodies tend to invest in people they know rather than the strongest script - and let's be honest: at investment stage the script has to come first!
Having said that, Film London has invested in some talented film-makers over the years and I add what I believe are the best of the available short films out there. It's up to you to decide how worthy they are. Peter & Ben is a lovely documentary and Pop Art is a skilful piece of fiction filmmaking - though I'm still not totally sure what it's trying to say. Enjoy!
Sunday, 2 January 2011
Short Films By Famous Directors
This weekend I have added another new page to my website filmsshort.com and, as is my wont, added an example to the top of the home page, in this case the example being Vincent by Tim Burton.
For, the new page is Short Films By Famous Directors. It's strange to me how little is known about some of these short films when so much is known about these famous directors' feature films.
My favourite director of all time is Kurosawa, but he doesn't have appeared to have made a short film (believe me, I looked!). However, Stanley Kubrick did make some short films and what's strange that his first two short films were in fact documentaries. The one I have added is his 1959 film Day Of The Fight . It reminds me very much of feature length film, The Killing, which would in turn help mould directors such as Quentin Tarantino.
Who's the most famous director of them all? Steven Spielberg of course!
Steven Spielberg has directed (and produced) some of the biggest feature films in box-office history (E.T., Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park). Many think of Duel as his first film, but that ignores Amblin', which would also be the name of his film production company. Spieleberg doesn't particularly like Amblin' - the dialogue-free tale of a couple hitchhickers meeting up as they cross the American desert - being shown but there are great moments that portend those in his feature films (the moon silhouette in E.T. an example)
James Cameron is hot on the heals of Spielberg. Avatar broke most box-office records despite having a script that felt like it was written by a twelve year old. Xenogenesis was made in 1978 and co-directed by Randall Frakes. James Cameron shows he had ambition from the beginning with this sci-fi short film. It is somewhat Tron-like and perhaps not the most polished film in the world but Cameron was only 23-years-old at the time and there are moments that would reappear in both The Terminator and Aliens.
The last film on my new page is Doodlebug by Christopher Nolan. If you don't know who Christopher Nolan is then visit my website. If you do - as I'm sure you do - visit it anyway!
For, the new page is Short Films By Famous Directors. It's strange to me how little is known about some of these short films when so much is known about these famous directors' feature films.
My favourite director of all time is Kurosawa, but he doesn't have appeared to have made a short film (believe me, I looked!). However, Stanley Kubrick did make some short films and what's strange that his first two short films were in fact documentaries. The one I have added is his 1959 film Day Of The Fight . It reminds me very much of feature length film, The Killing, which would in turn help mould directors such as Quentin Tarantino.
Who's the most famous director of them all? Steven Spielberg of course!
Steven Spielberg has directed (and produced) some of the biggest feature films in box-office history (E.T., Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park). Many think of Duel as his first film, but that ignores Amblin', which would also be the name of his film production company. Spieleberg doesn't particularly like Amblin' - the dialogue-free tale of a couple hitchhickers meeting up as they cross the American desert - being shown but there are great moments that portend those in his feature films (the moon silhouette in E.T. an example)
James Cameron is hot on the heals of Spielberg. Avatar broke most box-office records despite having a script that felt like it was written by a twelve year old. Xenogenesis was made in 1978 and co-directed by Randall Frakes. James Cameron shows he had ambition from the beginning with this sci-fi short film. It is somewhat Tron-like and perhaps not the most polished film in the world but Cameron was only 23-years-old at the time and there are moments that would reappear in both The Terminator and Aliens.
The last film on my new page is Doodlebug by Christopher Nolan. If you don't know who Christopher Nolan is then visit my website. If you do - as I'm sure you do - visit it anyway!
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Sundance Film Festival
Having decided that Oscar and BAFTA winners weren't strictly festival winners (though to be nominated you have to have been shown in at least one several specified festivals) I felt it beholden upon me that I add another festival page, on top of the two Cannes Film Festival pages I already have.
So I have added a new page for the Sundance Film Festival at filmsshort.com This had an unexpected benefit of allowing me to upload High Maintenance to the website, as I had admired the subtlety of this science fiction film (when compared to other science fiction films) but had decided to add Alive In Joburg instead to the sci-fi page.
The Sundance Film Festival has a habit of rewarding unusual films, and historically far more documentaries than most short film festivals. Thus I have uploaded two of the best documentaries to have won at the festival in the last decade: Terminal Bar and Undressing My Mother. Documentaries are hard to pull off in a short time period, for it can be difficult to adequately address the subject (both literally and thematically). It's not up to me to decide how successful these two film are, but I feel that each attempts it in two very different but very effective ways. They are certainly worth watching for any aspiring documentary makers out there.
So I have added a new page for the Sundance Film Festival at filmsshort.com This had an unexpected benefit of allowing me to upload High Maintenance to the website, as I had admired the subtlety of this science fiction film (when compared to other science fiction films) but had decided to add Alive In Joburg instead to the sci-fi page.
The Sundance Film Festival has a habit of rewarding unusual films, and historically far more documentaries than most short film festivals. Thus I have uploaded two of the best documentaries to have won at the festival in the last decade: Terminal Bar and Undressing My Mother. Documentaries are hard to pull off in a short time period, for it can be difficult to adequately address the subject (both literally and thematically). It's not up to me to decide how successful these two film are, but I feel that each attempts it in two very different but very effective ways. They are certainly worth watching for any aspiring documentary makers out there.
Saturday, 18 December 2010
Festival Winning Shorts
In order to research what films I should put on my short film website I had a good trawl of the major short film festival winners, both by going to their websites and by looking on the imdb, the trusted source for film.
One of the strangest consequences was that I realised that there was often no correlation between how good a film is considered by those who vote on the imdb and whether it won an award at this or that festival. Of course, the best films do tend to rise to the top like the proverbial cream but consider a film such as Megatron, which one the Palm d'Or for Best Short Film in 2008 at Cannes. It has averaged only 5.9/10 after 63 votes. That's simply not that great. And many directors fail to secure a career on the basis of such an award.
Thus I had to pay heed to these votes and watch as many of the films as I could myself to decide whether they deserved to go on my website - rather than just adding festival winners no matter what.This created some major problems because Megatron is by no means unique. The Cannes Film Festival throws up other problems: I began by researching Cannes, the Oscars and BAFTA. But unlike the latter two, which hand out awards for live-action and animated short films separately, Cannes has decided to judge both types of film together. One might argue that comparing different short film of the same type is difficult enough (consider how the brilliant Father & Daughter, and Rejected, were both nominated in 2000), but the Cannes Film Festival has decided to make matters that much more tricky by failing to distinguish between the two. Having said that, some of the animations the Oscars and BAFTA have rewarded have been rather poor!
One of the strangest consequences was that I realised that there was often no correlation between how good a film is considered by those who vote on the imdb and whether it won an award at this or that festival. Of course, the best films do tend to rise to the top like the proverbial cream but consider a film such as Megatron, which one the Palm d'Or for Best Short Film in 2008 at Cannes. It has averaged only 5.9/10 after 63 votes. That's simply not that great. And many directors fail to secure a career on the basis of such an award.
Thus I had to pay heed to these votes and watch as many of the films as I could myself to decide whether they deserved to go on my website - rather than just adding festival winners no matter what.This created some major problems because Megatron is by no means unique. The Cannes Film Festival throws up other problems: I began by researching Cannes, the Oscars and BAFTA. But unlike the latter two, which hand out awards for live-action and animated short films separately, Cannes has decided to judge both types of film together. One might argue that comparing different short film of the same type is difficult enough (consider how the brilliant Father & Daughter, and Rejected, were both nominated in 2000), but the Cannes Film Festival has decided to make matters that much more tricky by failing to distinguish between the two. Having said that, some of the animations the Oscars and BAFTA have rewarded have been rather poor!
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