Written by Whitney Janivel

Regarding this year’s ÉCU non-european dramatic short selection, we were presented with nine strong contenders who have proved their ability to master the art of storytelling. 

We were very pleased to be presented with a diverse range of films exploring such various themes. These movies stand out given their qualities and uniqueness, therefore making them powerful  contenders. 

We were first introduced to EXIT by Reza Abiyat released in 2023 which is set during an environmental disaster in Iran, it draws a portrait of the rigid religious dogma in such a difficult situation. Reza Abiyat, who is Iranian, draws inspiration from his own experience : “My personal experiences and observations of such extreme ideologies in critical moments have fueled this narrative”, he says in an interview with our ÉCU team. In this short film, Abiyat speaks about an important subject through a novel lens. EXIT by Reza Abiyat is this year’s Best Editing winner. 

Andrew Shemin in Breakfast of Champions  takes a controversial topical issue head-on and delivers a comic satire. In an online interview with ÉCU, we had the chance to get to know more details about his subject of choice. He stated: “So we’re not really talking about it as much as we should, you know, so to kind of enter into that taboo, I thought it was a good direction to use satire and a little bit of comedy, but it really tries to push you to make you think”. We also would like to salute the performance of Sabrina Robinson, who won this year’s Best Actress category in ÉCU 2024. She plays the saleswoman who tries to pitch the controversial idea behind the movie. 

Breakfast of Champions (2023) tackles the subject of assisted suicide through a banal quarrel in a bar but delivers it flawlessly. 

In this post-apocalyptic future, a single mother attempts to grow a dragon fruit sprout in order to sell it and survive. Dragon fruit came out in 2023 and is set in a dystopian post-apocalyptic world but actually draws inspiration from our current reality. In an online interview with our ÉCU team,J.Brown, the director, explains : “I wrote the film originally in 2019 and the sort of original idea behind it was I live in British Columbia and we’ve had lots of wildfires here over the last 20 years. So kind of every summer smoke kind of pours into the city […]. So that was the impetus behind having everyone wear gas masks and suff.” Dragon fruit presents us a fictional reality that is not so far from us and strangely echoes the 2020 pandemic. 

 “I cannot speak but I can shoot, I can use my film to tell the story to bring more people, especially young audiences into this topic” says Vincent Zhou, ICU a film while revealing his creative decision to make it a silent film in a Q&A at our 2024 festival. A dow

In this year’s Music Video Selection of ÉCU, we have been presented with a vast selection of some brilliant films, as well as very talented filmmakers, displaying a wide range of genres and themes in conjunction with featuring a vast variety in terms of imagery, visuals and art style. 

Along with being a place to share and celebrate powerful musical creations, the Music Video Selection mainly serves to enhance and display innovation and creativity, bringing together independent music videos that stand out due to their quality either by excelling in storytelling, showcasing detailed animation, innovative camera techniques, vibrant art direction, amongst more. 

À TOI

“À Toi”, by Stéphane Berla, 2023

Directed by the french animator Stéphane Berla, “À Toi” makes us follow the antics of two little creatures, a blue girl and a red fiery boy who are friends. The storyline highlights how their relationship evolves and how they interact and explore the universe they are in.

Berla, in an online Q&A with ÉCU, tells us that one of his major difficulties with this project was the short deadline: “It was a very good surprise that he called me, especially to offer me a new film. (…) The only thing is I had to answer very very fast, I had to make the music video with my team in two months, everything together, it was very very short.”

To better understand this music video, it helps to understand the history behind the music: “This song was already a famous song”, Stéphane explains. “It’s a remake, and it first was a song called À Toi from Joe Dassin, it’s a very famous song and a very beautiful song in France. Matthieu made a new version with Gail Ann Dorsey. Gail is an artist, she sings, but she is very famous for being the bassist of David Bowie.” Adding: “So they made a duo, so she made all the bass on his album, and also they made some songs together, and this one.”

“The idea of this song in French, (…) it’s kind of a love story. But Matthieu told me he didn’t want this, because he wanted more like an artistic link between him and Gail Ann Dorsey. So I focused on this idea.”

The story-telling of this video feels simultaneously whimsical and intimate, where we start by watching the two main characters interact as if they were children playing together. Bit by bit, we see them evolve almost as if they were growing up, but still in each other’s company until they take their final form, the carmine boy turning into the singer -M- (Matthieu Chedid), and the little flying girl transforming into Gail Ann Dorsey. Eventually, the video transcends with both of them sitting under the same bewitching blue tree where we first see them interact, this time around, both of them playing the guitar. The ending seemingly represents a cycle, as we see them return to their original forms and play hopscotch, a children’s game, one last time together, as the music comes to its end with a whispery tone.

LUST SUPPER – NASTY THINGS

“LUST SUPPER – NASTY THINGS”, by Artem Verkhoglyadov, 2023

With its colorful and detailed scenario, as well as the smooth camera movements that create a sense of continuity from

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BestShorts.net

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La Jolla, CA, April 2024 – The Best Shorts Competition is proud to announce the latest winners. The Best Shorts Competition puts filmmakers first and provides a direct opportunity for recognition and publicity for high quality productions. It is international in scope and has granted awards to producers in Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, China, Columbia, Cuba, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Mauritius, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States.

Paul Hendy (United Kingdom), The Choice, Film Short – Paul Hendy’s astute direction brings depth to “The Choice,” a haunting psychological drama about a famous TV personality whose life unravels when confronted by a mysterious visitor. Rita Simons (EastEnders, The Krays) delivers a powerful performance, while BAFTA-nominee Alex Macqueen’s portrayal of pure evil adds chilling depth. The film keeps audiences guessing until the end, making it a compelling and relevant story that explores themes of favoritism, identity, and the consequences of our choices. BAFTA-winner Whitnall’s compelling script, coupled with Hendy’s nuanced direction, creates a captivating narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.

Marko Bosanac (Serbia), New Idea, Animation – A whimsical animated short that dives into the inner workings of creativity. Pensilio, Loopito, and Lensio, embodying creativity, research, and production, embark on a quest for a new idea. Their journey is fraught with obstacles mirroring the creative process – from distractions to self-doubt. The twist comes as the adventure unfolds within a teenage girl’s mind, adding layers to the narrative. With utterly charming characters, brilliant animation and universal themes, “New Idea” is a delightful exploration of creativity’s complexities, leaving audiences inspired and uplifted.

Jaclyn Lehrer (USA), Johnny Johnny, Film Short – A darkly comedic short follows a homeless comedian seeking revenge on those he deems unfunny. It delves into friendship and resilience in a society overlooking those in need. Lehrer’s deft direction blends humor with shocking twists, challenging stereotypes. Engaging performances by Sencere Tucker and Alexandria Sanders add dep

The SXSW Film & TV Festival announces winners across various categories, including Narrative Feature Competition, Documentary Feature Competition, Design Awards, and Special Awards during the annual Film & TV Awards ceremony. Short Film Program winners, eligible for Jury Awards, and Film and TV categories eligible for Audience Awards, will be certified by Maxwell Locke & Ritter.

Meet the 2024 Jurors for this year’s Narrative and Documentary Feature competitions, Shorts Programs, Music Videos, Poster Design, and XR competitions.

Explore the complete list of 2024 winners for the 31st SXSW Film & TV Festival announced during the Film & TV Awards ceremony on Wednesday, March 13. Stay tuned to sxsw.com for the announcement of Audience Awards winners following the event's conclusion.

SXSW is proud to be an official qualifying festival for the Academy Awards® Short Film competition. Winners of our Best Animated, Best Narrative and Best Documentary Short Film categories become eligible for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards (Oscars). Any British Short Film or British Short Animation that screens at SXSW is eligible for BAFTA nomination. Films are also eligible for the Independent Spirit Awards.

2024 Winners

FEATURE FILM GRAND JURY AWARDS
NARRATIVE FEATURE COMPETITION
Jury Award Winner: Bob Trevino Likes It
Director/Screenwriter: Tracie Laymon, Producers: Tracie Laymon, Sean Mullin, Edgar Rosa, Felipe Dieppa

Special Jury Award for Performance: Maria Rodríguez Soto, Mamifera

Special Jury Award for Filmmaking: Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, We Were Dangerous

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE COMPETITION
Jury Award Winner: Grand Theft Hamlet
Directors/Screenwriters: Pinny Grylls, Sam Crane, Producers: Rebecca Wolff, Julia Ton

Special Jury Award for Bravery and Empathy: Carina Mia Wong and Alex Simmons, We Can Be Heroes

SHORT FILM COMPETITION GRAND JURY AWARDS
Presented by You42

Jury Award Winner: Dissolution
Director/Screenwriter: Anthony Saxe, Producers: Thomas Lopez, Anthony Saxe

Special Jury Award: Sam Cutler-Kreutz and David Cutler-Kreutz, Trapped

Documentary Short Competition
Jury Award Winner: Remember, Broken Crayons Colour Too
Directors/Screenwriters: Shannet Clemmings, Urša Kastelic, Producers: Filippo Bonacci, Gabriel Grosclaude

Special Jury Award Winner: David Gauvey Herbert, Frank

Midnight Shorts Competition
Jury Award Winner: Transylvanie
Director: Rodrigue Huart, Screenwriters: Rodrigue Huart, David Alexander Cassan, Axel Würsten, Producer: Lucie Vigier

Special Jury Award Winner: Eros V, Meat Puppet

Animated Shorts Competition
Jury Award Winner: Wander to Wonder
Director: Nina Gantz, Screenwriters: Nina Gantz, Simon Cartwright, Daan Bakker, Stienette Bosklopper

Special Jury Award Winner: Phoebe Jane Hart, Bug Diner

Music Video Competition
Jury Award Winner: Célen - 'Mom told you so'
Director/Screenwriter: Cécile Cournelle

Special Jury Award for Technical Wizardry: Joe Nicolosi, The Burning Hell - 'All I Need'

Texas Shorts Competition
Jury Award Winner: Jedo's Dead
Director/Screenwriter: Sara Nimeh, Producers: Michael Mittelstaedt, Jeff Walker, Ellyn Church

Special Jury Award: Fatima Wardy, Hair Care

Independent TV Pilot Competition
Jury Award Winner: Marvin Is Sorry
Showrunners/Screenwriters: Brett Morrow, Alex Gehrlein, Jack Gacek, Director: Clint Pang

Special Jury Award: Zeke Nicholson, Halfrican American

Poster Design Competition
Jury Award Winner: 7 Beats Per Min

With its striking visuals inspired by Studio Ghibli, Planet of Lana is a platforming video game featuring a girl and her cat which achieved positive notices on its release in 2023. Notable to readers of this website is its stirring music composed by Takeshi Furukawa, one of my favourite scores of the year. It starts off with a very Thomas Newman-like main theme in “Progeny” (the kind that Newman himself doesn’t really do any more – orchestral, warm, a whimsical melody) but from there Furukawa engineers a full-blooded orchestral adventure score. The theme briefly appears again at the start of the second cue, “Tailo Village”, before a wonderful, sweeping secondary theme emerges. The pair of themes go on to dominate the score but never in a way that feels repetitive: the composer does a lot with them, and there’s always some standalone set-piece just around the corner.

The first of these is the pretty intense action cue “Invasion”, based around a catchy little motif which endlessly repeats as the orchestral forces grow around it. “Peculiar Encounter” is like a playful variant on the sand people music from Star Wars, and then there’s a delightful theme for the cat in the brief “Meet Mui”. “Cave Murals” is a great cue, contrasting ethereal vocals with much darker orchestral colours; then there’s a film noir (specifically, Goldsmith noir) feel in the mournful “Shipwreck”. There are a couple of songs on the album too, blending seamlessly with the score, Siobhan Wilson’s beautiful voice complementing Furukawa’s orchestra very nicely. The best cue, the one which people are going to play a lot, is “Desert Chase” – it begins innocuously enough with a gentle rendition of the main theme before the orchestra soars away and treats us to a rousing action/adventure cue. Really though, the whole album is a delight – the best game soundtrack I’ve heard in quite a while – its 55 minute run time seeming to disappear in no time really. It’s a gem.

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3woxcdk

The post Planet of Lana first appeared on movie-wave.net.

Music Video

It’s a visual storytelling journey in which Şam recounts his life’s evolution, weaving a narrative that bridges his past and present. The music video serves as a captivating visual companion, enhancing his stories with metaphors and wordplay, creating an engaging and vivid experience.

Short Film

With global tourism on the rise, the short film “CITIZEN TOURIST” tries to look at the tourist as a species with exotic and particular quirks, inviting us to look at ourselves and our group behaviours when we fill that role. The theme is explored in a whimsical fashion, turning the spotlight on an industry that is shaping entire cities and cultures in profound ways.

A young woman writes a letter to the person who sexually abused her. As she types she reflects on her healing journey, her trauma, the scars left by the abuse and the metamorphosis that took place as a result of it.

Entangled is a short winter climbing film exploring the relationship between climbers and their connections to the Scottish landscape. We find ourselves in an intimate relationship with the climbers, looking through the lens at the micro, and the expansive moments.

After witnessing her people suffer cruelty and oppression at the hands of Roman invaders, a young tribal woman named Énna takes up spear and shield in hopes of saving her family and homeland. What follows is a desperate last stand that gives rise to myth and legend.

During a family argument, a teenager flees to the garden to find some relief from the noise and conflict inside, but the argument follows them out and cannot be escaped. Feeling hopelessly fed up, they begin to grow into the grass and are swallowed by the ground. When they wake, they are in a world beneath the garden floor where they have transformed into a cryptid creature, a green man, an escape from being human. What seemed at first a magical escapism becomes a burden as the house and conflict still plagues them.

A young Nubian girl embarks on a journey back in time to reconnect with her drowned homeland. Guided by the Nile egret, she travels underwater within the lake created by the Aswan High Dam to visit Nubia’s mountains and palm trees, water wheels and houses, men and women. She bids farewell to her people as they board the boats that will take them to their resettlement villages. Returning to her own time, she carries the strength of knowing that Nubia will always live on inside her.

“Pugilistic Soul” is a short boxing drama, starring Patrick Walker, that

Emmy Award-winning French animation production and distribution company Dandelooo is delighted to announce the launch of a new feature film division, Dandelooo Cinéma.  This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in Dandelooo’s commitment to providing unparalleled entertainment to audiences worldwide.

Based at the company’s Paris headquarters, Dandelooo Cinéma is spearheaded by Luna Sirvin, International Sales & Acquisitions Manager (feature films).  With experience in the French and international markets, Luna Sirvin will oversee and expand Dandelooo Cinéma’s activities by acquiring, developing, producing, and marketing animated films for kids and families. 

Commenting on the launch of Dandelooo Cinéma, Emmanuèle Pétry, Co-Founder said, “Entering into the cinema space is a natural progression for Dandelooo.  We are passionate about delivering exceptional entertainment and Dandelooo Cinéma allows us to take this commitment to new heights and build and strengthen our content for global audiences”.

Luna Sirvin, International Sales & Acquisitions Manager added, "Despite the challenging environment we feel the need to offer uplifting and meaningful stories.  We believe that the quality of an animated film and its message is revealed through the passionate work of local distributors.  This in-depth work is the key to meeting today’s biggest challenge: to keep inviting children into movie theaters.  As an international sales agent, our mission is to offer ambitious animated films which will inspire and enrich the lives of kids around the world".

Dedicated to curating groundbreaking projects and exceptional animated content that inspires and captivates kids and families, Dandelooo Cinéma has a roster of projects in the pipeline for its cinema line up and has just signed the international theatrical rights for three new animated feature films:

Targeted at 5- to 9-year-olds, Hola Frida! a 75-minute feature currently in production is the fictional childhood story of Mexico’s greatest artist.  Set for delivery in September 2024, the film is produced by Haut et Court Distribution (France), Tobo Media (Canada), Du Coup Studio Production (Canada), and directed by Karine Vézina and André Kadi.  It's the story of a little girl who is different.  Her world is Coyoacan, Mexico City.  Sparkling, vibrant, everything interests her and when difficulties arise, she faces them with an overflowing imagination.  This little girl is called Frida Kahlo.

Currently in production and set for delivery in May 2025, Born in the Jungle (70 minutes), for upper preschool and families is produced by Atom Art (Latvia), Letko (Poland), Hausboot (Czech Republic) and directed by Edmunds Jansons.  During the school summer break, nine-year-old Elisabeth joins her family in the Venezuelan rainforest far away from their Latvian homeland.  When Mum and Dad fly their plane to the city, Elisabeth volunteers to look after her four-year-old brother Leo.  But soon Leo disappears in the thick dark jungle and Elisabeth must bring him back home before their parents return.

Directed by Annecy Jury Prize Winner Hugo de Faucompret and produced by Laïdak Films (France, Germany), Dandelooo (France) and Doghouse Films (Luxembourg) Granny is a Tree! (70 minutes), targeted at the 7+ age group is in development and set for delivery in December 2025.  Granny Onion, Jane’s whimsical grandmother,

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