The Voice In Your Head Directed by Graham Parks

The Voice In Your Head

COMEDY SHORT FILM
Directed by Graham Parkes
14 min. Scripted Short – USA

I recently watched The Voice In Your Head, a surreal comedy short film directed by Graham Parkes, and it had me laughing from start to finish. Much like Basic, this is one of those shorts you simply have to see—I won’t spoil a moment of it. What makes this film stand out is its ability to balance absurd comedy with sharp writing, turning an everyday office setting into a hilarious, unsettling, and unforgettable experience.

A Surreal Comedy with Bite

The film follows an office worker, played by Lewis Pullman, who has resigned himself to spending every waking hour tortured by the negative voice in his head. Just when it seems unbearable, a concerned coworker (Mat Wright) decides to step in, leading to a surreal chain of events. With its sharp timing, clever dialogue, and offbeat humor, The Voice In Your Head highlights Graham Parkes’ talent for creating dark comedy shorts that leave a lasting impression.

Festival Recognition and Awards

The Voice In Your Head premiered at the SXSW 2020 Film Festival as an official selection. It went on to win “Best Comedy” and the Jury Award for Best Short in Short of the Week’s Short Awards in 2020. These accolades underscore the film’s blend of originality, humor, and cinematic craft.

My Take: Must Watch

For fans of indie short films, surreal storytelling, or award-winning comedy, The Voice In Your Head is a must-see. Its combination of sharp performances, inventive writing, and absurd yet relatable humor make it one of the most memorable short comedy films of recent years.

Film Description

A surreal comedy about an office worker who has resigned himself to spending every waking hour tortured by the negative voice in his head—until a concerned coworker decides to take action.

Written and Directed by: Graham Parkes
Starring: Lewis Pullman & Mat Wright

Suggested Hashtags

#TheVoiceInYourHead #GrahamParkes #LewisPullman #MatWright #ComedyShortFilm #SurrealComedy #SXSW2020 #IndieShortFilm #AwardWinningShort #BestComedyShort #DarkComedyShort #FilmFestivalShort #ShortOfTheWeek #MustWatchShort #ShortFilmReview

CLICK TO WATCH

FOLLOW THE FILMMAKER: Instagram at grhmparkes

Hiplet: Because We Can Directed by Addison Wright

Hiplet: Because We Can

SPECIAL INTEREST DOCUMENTARY

Directed by Addison Wright

8 min. Documentary Short

I found Hiplet: Because We Can to be an interesting and visually compelling short. While it sometimes felt promotional in tone, its fusion of ballet pointe technique with hip-hop and urban dance styles—set to engaging music video visuals—is undeniably watchable. It’s a culturally significant piece, especially for audiences interested in dance documentaries, Black culture in the arts, and innovative performance styles.

My Take: Watchable

Film Description:
Created with the intention to inspire young Black women and men, this short film brings the Hiplet ballerinas to center stage, showcasing how they blend classical pointe ballet with hip-hop and urban dance. The film highlights these young, gifted Black dancers as they navigate and overcome adversity both online and within the dance community, and how they’re actively pushing cultural boundaries through performance.

Shot on Chicago’s South Side at the historic Grand Ballroom (originally the Cinderella Ballroom, opened in 1923), the setting adds an evocative backdrop to this story of artistry and resilience.

FOLLOW THE FILMMAKER: addisonjwright.com

Hashtags and Tags:
Filed under categories: Short Film, Short Film Review, Documentary, Music Video Short, Hiplet, Dance Documentary, Black Culture, Chicago Arts

Quilt Fever by Olivia Loomis Merrion

QUILT FEVER

SPECIAL INTEREST DOCUMENTARY

Directed by Olivia Loomis Merrion

15 min. Documentary

I recently watched Quilt Fever, a short documentary directed by Olivia Loomis Merrion, and while I enjoyed it, I found it more of a slice-of-life look into the quilting culture than a film with a strong narrative arc. The short film follows a quilting convention in Paducah, Kentucky—home to what’s often called the “Academy Awards of quilting.”

With its intimate view of quilting enthusiasts, the documentary captures the energy and color of this annual event where nearly 30,000 quilters gather, doubling the town’s population. While the documentary doesn’t have a gripping storyline or a central conflict, it still offers an intriguing look into quilting competitions, the artistry of quilters, and the community that thrives around this creative tradition.

My Take: Watchable

Quilt Fever is definitely worth viewing, especially for anyone curious about quilting documentaries, short films featured at SXSW, or the unique culture of quilters. Though it may not dig deeply into a single perspective, it highlights the passion behind this timeless craft and the people who keep it alive.

Film Description:

Every year, nearly 30,000 quilters descend upon Paducah, Kentucky, for its huge quilt competition, doubling the town’s population. Known as “The Academy Awards of quilting,” the weeklong spectacle brings quilters from across the globe. Beyond the competition, the documentary weaves through individual stories, revealing the deeper motivations and artistry behind the quilts.

Suggested Hashtags

#QuiltFever #OliviaLoomisMerrion #QuiltingDocumentary #QuiltingCulture #QuiltCompetition #PaducahKentucky #SXSWShorts #DocumentaryShort #IndieFilm #SliceOfLifeDoc #QuilterStories #SpecialInterestDoc #FilmReview #ShortFilmReview #MailchimpPresents

CLICK TO WATCH

Available for viewing at the Mailchimp website under Mailchimp Presents -> SXSW 2020 Shorts

FOLLOW THE FILMMAKER: Twitter at @OliviaMerrion

Check out her website at oliviamerrion.com to see her other exceptional films.

Waffle by Carlyn Hudson

DARK COMEDY SHORT FILM
Directed by Carlyn Hudson
14 min. Scripted Short – USA

I recently watched Waffle, a dark comedy short film directed by Carlyn Hudson, and it was a bizarre, funny, and surprisingly unsettling ride. As someone who loves strange and unpredictable stories, I was completely captivated from beginning to end. This short is full of surprises, and it leaves you wanting to talk about it long after the credits roll.

A Dark Comedy Full of Twists

At 14 minutes, Waffle delivers a bold mix of dark humor, suspense, and satire. The story follows Kerry as she attends a sleepover with Katie, a socially awkward, mysteriously orphaned heiress. What begins as quirky and offbeat quickly evolves into a tense, surreal situation where Kerry learns—sometimes the hard way—that Katie always gets what she wants.

Carlyn Hudson’s direction leans into the unsettling energy of the story, balancing humor with an eerie atmosphere. The result is a short that feels equally hilarious and chilling, a hallmark of well-executed dark comedy short films.

My Take: Must Watch

For fans of indie short films, dark comedy shorts, and festival-ready scripted stories, Waffle is a must-watch. It’s the kind of short that surprises you with its originality, makes you laugh at its absurdity, and leaves you thinking about its twisted humor long after.

Film Description

Kerry attends a sleepover with Katie, a socially awkward, mysteriously orphaned heiress. Kerry learns the hard way that Katie always gets what she wants.

Suggested Hashtags

#WaffleShortFilm #CarlynHudson #DarkComedyShort #IndieShortFilm #ShortFilmReview #MustWatchShort #DarkComedyFilm #IndieFilmCommunity #ComedyShortFilm #ShortFilmHighlight #FilmFestivalShort #IndieComedyShort #SurrealComedy #BizarreShortFilm #ShortFilmBuzz

CLICK TO WATCH

An Invitation to Tea by Desiree Abeyta

An Invitation to Tea

FANTASY DRAMA 

Directed by Desiree Abeyta

13 min. Scripted Short - USA

Watching this film made me want to stay in its world. There is so much more to this story that I am wanting to see. This is not, however, incomplete or bait for a longer film.  It is a fascinating story that made me emotional while igniting my imagination, reminding me of what I loved about Amazing Stories. It captured the feelings of hope and wonder, loss and grief, and 1,000 yet-to-be-taken adventures.  Do yourself a favor and watch this film.

MUST WATCH     

Film Description: 

A disheartened Millennial is encouraged to reconnect with the magical stories of her youth when she returns to her childhood home after the death of her grandfather.

The Juggernaut Film Festival Digital Pass is available for purchase and viewing until November 14, 2021

Save 50% with promo code “SOUTHGATE” at https://www.juggernautfilmfestival.com.

Virtually Happy by Emma Selinski

Virtually Happy

SCI-FI DRAMA

Directed by Emma Selinski

11 min. Scripted Short - Australia

This short made me very sad. Not just for the main character, but for every character we meet along the way.  It is an obvious commentary on society’s addiction to social media and the potential results of the narcissistic lifestyle it can create. The visuals here are simple yet striking. It is frankly a troubling example of where we are at as a culture that you can’t take your eyes off of.      

WORTH THE WATCH

Film Description: 

A vibrant young woman dies taking a selfie on virtually the best birthday of her life.

 The Juggernaut Film Festival Digital Pass is available for purchase and viewing until November 14, 2021

Save 50% with promo code “SOUTHGATE” at https://www.juggernautfilmfestival.com.

Ad Lib by Joseph Catté

Ad Lib

FANTASY THRILLER

Directed by Joseph Catté

11 min. Scripted Short - France

 What starts our as fun, turns terrifying in this exceptional short. “Ad Lib” uses some very clever techniques to keep you guessing what is really happening.  It reminded me of a short you might find in a modern take on the Twilight Zone’s darker sibling, “Night Gallery”.  Truly unsettling and often scary, this might be a tough watch if you are triggered easily, but well worth your time if you want something scary that will stay with you.

MUST WATCH

Film Description: 

Max and Julie are very much in love. Julie is rather jealous, but Max knows that no one is perfect. Certainly not himself.

The Juggernaut Film Festival Digital Pass is available for purchase and viewing until November 14, 2021

Save 50% with promo code “SOUTHGATE” at https://www.juggernautfilmfestival.com.

Body Hackers by Dale Metzz + TL Westgate

Body Hackers

SCI-FI COMEDY

Directed by Dale Metzz + TL Westgate

7 min. Scripted Short - USA

This is a truly funny short. The script is clever and sharp.  The comedic performances also deserve praise as they are very good across the board.  Although we’ve seen this plot device before, Body Hackers has a fresh take that keeps you laughing.  

MUST WATCH

Film Description: 

A daddy/daughter camping trip turns to terror, hilarity ensues!

The Juggernaut Film Festival Digital Pass is available for purchase and viewing until November 14, 2021

Save 50% with promo code “SOUTHGATE” at https://www.juggernautfilmfestival.com.

Consume by Bruno Gradaschi

Consume

SCIENCE FICTION

Directed by Bruno Gradaschi

14 min. Scripted Short - Argentina

This short is visually stunning.  There is so much great design work here that I found myself lost in the look and feel of Consume.  The story is interesting and keeps you engaged, but the real star is the world that was built here.  Consume felt like I was watching a silent film from the future, rather than the past. There is definitely more fun to be had in this universe.

WORTH THE WATCH

Film Description: 

A world where everyone lives in the work stations and eats liquid food coming from dispensers. Workers that are only numbers fulfill incomprehensible and alienating tasks to earn points and reach a target to move up the chain and access a better life. We know him as 079 and he keeps falling short leaving that promotion too far to reach. So he decides to steal the remaining points from his next door neighbor.

The Juggernaut Film Festival Digital Pass is available for purchase and viewing until November 14, 2021

Save 50% with promo code “SOUTHGATE” at https://www.juggernautfilmfestival.com.

Living in Crime Alley by Rob Ayling

Living in Crime Alley

BATMAN FANFILM

Directed by Rob Ayling

9 min. Scripted Short - UK

I really love how this film gave us a street level view of Gotham that didn’t involve insane villains or end in a big BIFF – KAPOW – SMASH.  It tells a small personal story that really captured my imagination.  Great design that doesn’t get lost in its own aesthetic. While Crime Alley is not a place you want to live, this is a corner of the Batman Universe I definitely want to see more of.

WORTH THE WATCH

Film Description: 

A single father struggles to bring up his child, a huge fan of the dark knight, in downtown Gotham, known to citizens as Crime Alley.

The Juggernaut Film Festival Digital Pass is available for purchase and viewing until November 14, 2021

Save 50% with promo code “SOUTHGATE” at https://www.juggernautfilmfestival.com.

Lost Treasure of the Valley by Robert Husted

Lost Treasure of the Valley

FANTASY COMEDY 

Directed by Robert Husted

25 min. Scripted Short - USA

Three words that sum this film up are interesting, absurd, and funny.  I love B level sci-fi from the 80’s and this captures that category perfectly.  I laughed a lot at the ridiculousness of it all and at some legit funny dialogue.  If you dig campy B Movies, you don’t want to miss this one. Oh, and I am now obsessed with abandoned shopping carts.  

WORTH THE WATCH

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 of Sepulveda Blvd. with a lost treasure inside - guarded by a dragon!

The Juggernaut Film Festival Digital Pass is available for purchase and viewing until November 14, 2021

Save 50% with promo code “SOUTHGATE” at https://www.juggernautfilmfestival.com.

Transfert by Jonathan Degrelle

Transfert

SCI-FI

Directed by Jonathan Degrelle

13 min. Scripted Short – France

I am a sucker for stories involving alternative history, now add time travel and Nazis and you’ve got a film I need to watch.  “Transfert” hits all these marks and has an engaging story as well.  It’s not a world I would hope to live in, but the design is fantastic.  It left me asking questions and wanting more, which is exactly what a film like this should do. 

 WORTH THE WATCH

Film Description: 

1967: IV Reïch. The Germans won the war. ISAAC, a survivor of the concentration camps, is sent by Max, a Nazi officer, in the middle of the Second World War to recover a strange mechanism. But during his quest, he will be facing his worst nightmare ...

Follow Transfert on Twitter at @Transfert_film

The Juggernaut Film Festival Digital Pass is available for purchase and viewing until November 14, 2021

Save 50% with promo code “SOUTHGATE” at https://www.juggernautfilmfestival.com.

Hood: A Star Wars Story by Damon Wellner

Hood: A Star Wars Story

SCIENCE FICTION STOP-MOTION STAR WARS FANFILM

Directed by Damon Wellner

6 min. Scripted Short - USA

I recently watched Hood: A Star Wars Story, a stop-motion Star Wars fan film directed by Damon Wellner, and I was completely entertained from start to finish. While the subject matter is definitely a deep cut for die-hard Star Wars fans, the creativity and humor on display make it a fun and accessible short film for anyone—even if you don’t know the character’s background.

The sci-fi short film cleverly reimagines the tragic-yet-comedic backstory of Willrow Hood, the cult-favorite background character from The Empire Strikes Back. Through its quirky stop-motion animation style and sharp comedic beats, Hood transforms a blink-and-you’ll-miss-him extra into a character with surprising emotional depth and laugh-out-loud moments.

At just six minutes, this indie sci-fi short film packs in a surprising amount of storytelling, blending parody with genuine affection for the Star Wars universe. For me, it has earned a permanent spot in my personal Star Wars head canon as a perfect side story to the saga.

My Take: Must Watch

Hood: A Star Wars Story is absolutely worth seeing—whether you’re a lifelong Star Wars fan or just someone who appreciates inventive indie shorts. Its mix of stop-motion artistry, witty storytelling, and playful homage makes it stand out as one of the most enjoyable Star Wars fan films I’ve seen.

Film Description

Hood tells the comedically tragic backstory of the Star Wars universe’s most beloved background character, Willrow Hood, brought to life through imaginative stop-motion sci-fi filmmaking.

Suggested Hashtags

#HoodAStarWarsStory #StarWarsFanFilm #WillrowHood #StopMotionAnimation #StarWarsShortFilm #SciFiShort #FanFilmFriday #IndieFilm #ShortFilmReview #MustWatchShort #DamonWellner #StarWarsCommunity #EmpireStrikesBack #StarWarsHumor #SciFiStopMotion

CLICK TO WATCH

FOLLOW THE FILMMAKER: Linktree at linktr.ee/probot

ZETA by Alec Knopf

Zeta

SCI-FI THRILLER

Directed by Alec Knopf

17 min. Scripted Short – USA

I was fascinated by this film.  It’s beautiful to look at and a completely engaging story.  If you are a fan of William Gibson or Philip K. Dick, this is a short you do not want to miss.  Excellent all the way around, from script to design to performances.  It’s all there.  

MUST WATCH

Film Description: 

Charlie, a successful real estate marketer, lives an effortless life at the hands of his digital assistant, ZETA. When ZETA discovers that Charlie has been keeping secrets, "she" sees it as a threat to her purpose in life. As ZETA uses every tool at her disposal to correct his behavior, Charlie must rely on his own wits to regain control over his life.

The Juggernaut Film Festival Digital Pass is available for purchase and viewing until November 14, 2021

Save 50% with promo code “SOUTHGATE” at https://www.juggernautfilmfestival.com.