“The Truth is out there” – I hope all them X-Files fan know exactly what I’m talking about cause shame if you don’t! This year’s Sci-Fi collection features some 6 shorts with a total runtime of 87 minutes and covers all you can expect and more from alien abductions to time-travel, video games, spreading viruses and medieval times.
The first highlight for me was the very clever “Sedare” (15 minutes) a Pakistani production by Adnan Ahmed & Nadir Shah which follows a determined journalist (Adeel Husain) on the quest to expose the truth about a dangerous virus spreading across Karachi. His interviews with the scientist and the pharmaceutical company head really build up the tension in the story. On some level it’s almost allegorical to what’s happening in the world currently; the 1% after their profits at the cost of whatever it takes and the uprising that is ensuing. The visual tone of the short is fantastic and fans of the walking dead and/or anything and everything related to zombies are sure to love it.
Next up from the US is “88.88” (14 minutes) by Joey Ciccoline that shows a woman proofing her bedroom with sturdy locks in preparation for something that is obviously not welcoming. What is she so scared of? Will we see what it is that’s pushed her to do this? Personally I felt there should’ve been a little more added on to the story, even perhaps a glimpse or two of what is in that bright light!
Stop trying to hold on to the past and don’t run from the future. “Out of Erasers” (15 minutes) a swedish production, by Erik Rosenlund’s short with a mix of animation is set in black ‘n’ white where a woman catches a spreading virus which she desperately tries to get rid of with the help of an eraser. Unfortunately for her, the virus has already spread rapidly with nowhere to escape. Do you think she will fight this unavoidable “plague” ?
To finish off you get to get to see a quirky, dark humour comedy “Tumult” (13 minutes) a british production, by Johnny Barrington is the story caught in a sort of time-warp of a clash between some medieval tribesman and an unexpected army that they did not know existed. Its messy, gory , funny and just impossible to get understand what era you are in!
I’m not sure if it’s the fangirl in me saying this but I seriously think that this category could’ve used a couple more shorts as I was left with a feeling of wanting to see more! That’s definitely a good sign though.
All hail to the Sci-fi fans…. this one’s for you! Don’t miss out this one time only screening at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on Saturday, June 9, 9:15PM. For more information on the shorts please visit: http://worldwideshortfilmfest.com/films/program/out-there-sci-fi/
By: Myra Rehman
T: @myrawales F: www.facebook.com/myrarehman
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