O.U. directed by Vance McLean Ball

SCI-FI
Directed by Vance McLean Ball
20 min. Scripted Short – Puerto Rico

O.U. is a beautifully crafted science fiction short film that explores humanity, compassion, and the blurred line between man and machine. Directed by Vance McLean Ball, this Puerto Rican sci-fi short offers a touching, introspective take on what it means to be human in a world that fears and rejects artificial life.

The film follows Mateo, a patient living with an artificial heart, as he embarks on an emotional journey to find his missing android caretaker—the being who once saved and cared for him. Set during a time when androids are being hunted and destroyed, Mateo’s quest becomes both a physical and emotional search for connection, loyalty, and the remnants of humanity within a collapsing society.

The cinematography and production design in O.U. are stunning, blending futuristic technology with grounded emotion. The film’s tone feels like a mix of Blade Runner and Her, offering both philosophical depth and heartfelt storytelling. It’s a sci-fi drama that makes you think about empathy, ethics, and what defines “life.”

My Take: Worth The Watch
O.U. is a hauntingly beautiful and emotional short film that transcends its genre. With its powerful performances and compelling world-building, it’s a must-watch for fans of indie sci-fi, AI-driven narratives, and character-driven storytelling.

Film Description:
In the times of the destruction of androids, Mateo, a patient with an artificial heart, embarks on the journey of finding the one who took care of him since the surgery: his Android.

FOLLOW THE FILMMAKER: imdb.com/name/nm0572666

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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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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

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Blocks Directed by Bridget Moloney

Blocks

COMEDY SHORT FILM
Directed by Bridget Moloney
12 min. Scripted Short – USA

Blocks is a witty and surreal comedy short film that embraces the absurd with confidence. Directed by Bridget Moloney, this quirky indie short balances humor with originality, turning a strange concept into a hilarious and engaging piece of filmmaking.

The film follows a woman whose reality is disrupted by an unexplained and surreal phenomenon. What makes Blocks shine is its refusal to explain the central oddity, instead leaning into absurdist comedy and allowing the audience to interpret, laugh, and wonder.

With crisp visuals, strong design, and natural performances, Blocks feels polished and professional, all while maintaining the playful strangeness of indie surreal comedy.

My Take: Worth The Watch
Blocks is a worth-the-watch indie comedy short that stands out with its originality and quirky style. Fans of surreal comedies and indie shorts will find this both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Film Description:
Blocks tells the story of a woman who begins experiencing a bizarre, unexplained phenomenon that completely disrupts her everyday life.

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Reminiscences of the Green Revolution Directed by Dean Colin Marcial

Reminiscences of the Green Revolution

DRAMA SHORT FILM
Directed by Dean Colin Marcial
16 min. Scripted Short – USA

Reminiscences of the Green Revolution is a visually striking indie drama short film that hooks you immediately with its atmosphere, casting, and tone. Director Dean Colin Marcial creates a story full of potential, one that feels like it could easily expand into a feature-length film.

The film follows characters navigating personal and cultural shifts, exploring identity, memory, and the drive for growth. Though the short ends before fully exploring all its rich themes, it leaves the audience wanting more—a sign of both strong storytelling and compelling world-building.

My Take: Worth the Watch
With stellar casting, a captivating look and feel, and a story that lingers, Reminiscences of the Green Revolution is a worth-watching short film for fans of indie drama and visually bold cinema.

Film Description:
A beautifully shot drama that blends striking visuals, strong performances, and layered themes of memory, identity, and transformation—though it feels destined for expansion into a longer format.

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The Mirror by Joel Kohn

The Mirror

FANTASY DRAMA SHORT FILM
Directed by Joel Kohn
22 min. Scripted Short – USA

The Mirror is a beautifully crafted fantasy drama short film that combines mystery, history, and emotional storytelling. With its cinematic visuals and moving narrative, this indie short film explores how memory and time can connect across generations.

The story begins when a young girl discovers a mysterious antique mirror in the basement of her ailing grandmother’s home. What starts as a moment of curiosity quickly turns into something extraordinary, as the mirror becomes a portal to the past. Suddenly, the girl finds herself transported into Nazi-occupied Poland, caught between worlds where history and imagination collide.

The film’s strength lies in its balance of magical realism and historical weight. The fantasy short film elements enrich the emotional resonance of the story, while the World War II setting adds layers of tension and meaning. For fans of independent short films that merge genre with poignant drama, The Mirror is a compelling watch.

My Take: Worth The Watch
With its strong performances, elegant design, and deeply engaging premise, The Mirror is a standout in the world of independent fantasy dramas. It’s a short film that not only entertains but also invites reflection on family, history, and the power of imagination.

Film Description:
When a young girl discovers a mysterious antique mirror in the basement of her ailing grandmother’s house, she accidentally opens a window between time that allows her to cross over into war-torn Nazi-occupied Poland.

Follow Joel Kohn here: joelkohn.com/short-films-1

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Gun Metal Max Directed by Jonathan Brooks

Gun Metal Max

COMING-OF-AGE SHORT FILM
Directed by [Director’s Name if available]
14 min. Scripted Short – USA

Gun Metal Max is a heartfelt coming-of-age short film that captures the wonder of childhood imagination. Centered on Ben, a 10-year-old boy, the story highlights the powerful role superheroes and play can have in shaping a young person’s world.

Ben spends most of his time in the imaginative universe of Gun Metal Max, his favorite comic book hero. To him, Gun Metal Max represents strength, bravery, and the eternal defense of light. This indie short beautifully balances childhood innocence with themes of identity and growth, making it an uplifting and nostalgic watch.

My Take: Worth Watching
With its touching story, strong performances, and engaging visuals, Gun Metal Max is a must-see short film about childhood imagination that resonates with kids-at-heart and fans of indie storytelling.

Film Description:
Ben is a 10-year-old boy who escapes into the world of Gun Metal Max, his comic book hero. Recreating his hero’s adventures in his playroom, Ben finds joy, courage, and inspiration.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

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Lost Treasure of the Valley Directed by Robert Husted

Lost Treasure of the Valley

FANTASY COMEDY SHORT FILM
Directed by Robert Husted
25 min. Scripted Short – USA

Lost Treasure of the Valley is an absurd, hilarious, and completely entertaining fantasy comedy short film that feels like a love letter to campy B-movies of the 1980s. With its ridiculous premise and surprisingly clever dialogue, the film captures the offbeat charm that makes cult-style comedies so addictive.

From the first scene, the short embraces its absurdity and runs with it. A photographer and an adventurer discover that the countless abandoned shopping carts scattered across LA’s San Fernando Valley aren’t just urban eyesores—they’re clues leading to a hidden treasure. What they uncover is a cave off Sepulveda Blvd., guarded by none other than a dragon.

As someone who loves B-level sci-fi and comedy, I couldn’t stop laughing at both the sheer ridiculousness of the story and the legitimately sharp dialogue. The humor works on multiple levels, and the world-building is bizarrely satisfying. And yes—after watching, I’ll never look at abandoned shopping carts the same way again.

My Take: Worth The Watch
With its unique concept, campy charm, and laugh-out-loud moments, Lost Treasure of the Valley is a standout indie fantasy comedy short film. If you dig quirky storytelling and absurd B-movie fun, this one is not to be missed.

Film Description:
A photographer and an adventurer discover that all of the abandoned shopping carts in LA’s San Fernando Valley lead to a hidden cave off Sepulveda Blvd. with a lost treasure inside—guarded by a dragon!​

Hashtags

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