Play Nice directed by Samual Dawes

FANTASY · THRILLER
Directed by Samual Dawes
11 min. Scripted Short – UK

If you love your fantasy with a sharp edge and a dose of twisted humor, Play Nice is one short film you don’t want to miss. Directed by Samual Dawes, this clever and creepy fantasy thriller takes an ordinary night of gaming and turns it into a surreal nightmare filled with unexpected tension and dark laughs.

Mel is ready to enjoy her night alone, gaming without distractions. But when her children’s toys decide they’ve been ignored for too long, her evening takes a terrifying turn. These aren’t your average playthings—they’re alive, demanding attention, and far more sinister than they appear.

The tone of Play Nice balances suspense and absurdity perfectly. The production design, lighting, and effects work together to create a playful yet eerie atmosphere that feels like a mix of Toy Story and Black Mirror. It’s both bizarre and brilliant—one of those short films that lingers long after it ends.

My Take: Worth The Watch
Play Nice is a wickedly fun and well-crafted short that proves how much story and emotion can fit into just 11 minutes. It’s a must-watch for fans of fantasy thrillers, dark comedies, and psychological horror shorts.

Film Description:
Mel makes the most of her free house by getting down to some serious gaming, but is interrupted by her children’s toys when they decide they aren’t getting enough attention. However, she quickly realizes they’re not quite so fun to play with...

FOLLOW THE FILMMAKER: imdb.com/name/nm3602796

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#PlayNiceShortFilm #FantasyThriller #SamualDawes #UKShortFilm #IndieShortFilm #DarkComedy #FantasyHorror #PsychologicalThriller #WorthTheWatch #ShortFilmReview #IndieFilmSpotlight #CreepyToys #HorrorShort #FantasyCinema #ShortFilmFans

Artemis directed by Jack Warren

FANTASY · QUEER COMEDY · STUDENT FILM
Directed by Jack Warren
12 min. Scripted Short – USA

Artemis is a delightful and deeply human fantasy queer comedy short film that uses the playful world of live-action roleplay (LARPing) as a backdrop for something much more meaningful—self-discovery and identity.

Hayes, the film’s protagonist, feels out of step with his sword-swinging, armor-wearing friends. Everything changes when he stumbles upon a sparkling blue dress that sets him on a journey that’s part fantasy quest, part emotional awakening. What begins as a game of pretend transforms into a heartfelt exploration of gender identity and authenticity.

Director Jack Warren captures this transformation beautifully, blending humor, warmth, and fantasy into a student short that feels professional in every sense. The costumes, performances, and tone balance whimsical fun with genuine emotional weight.

For fans of queer cinema, indie fantasy storytelling, and coming-of-age narratives, Artemis hits all the right notes. It’s funny, tender, and visually striking—a perfect example of how student films can tell powerful, personal stories that stay with you long after the credits roll.

My Take: Worth The Watch
Artemis shines as a heartfelt, inclusive short film that celebrates individuality and courage. It’s both a hilarious romp through fantasy and a sincere exploration of what it means to find yourself.

Film Description:
Hayes struggles to fit in with his sword-swinging, live action roleplaying friends, but his discovery of a sparkling blue dress transforms a game of pretend into a journey of gender discovery.

FOLLOW THE FILMMAKER: hellojackwarren.com

Hashtags

#ArtemisShortFilm #QueerCinema #FantasyComedy #StudentFilm #IndieShortFilm #LARPCommunity #GenderDiscovery #InclusiveStorytelling #WorthTheWatch #JackWarren #ShortFilmReview #FantasyShort #QueerRepresentation #IndieFilmSpotlight #ComingOfAgeShort