Welcome to the new section of Microfilmmaker Magazine which has partnered up with the new British based online short film distributors, Coffee Shorts.
Every month, Coffee Shorts will be introducing a selection of films from their catalogue, which concentrates exclusively on independent short filmmaking, right here in the magazine. Sourcing some of the very best in drama, animation, comedy, documentary and experimental short films from all over the world, we're looking forward to seeing some very diverse, unique and exciting filmmaking here in the months to come.
The Janitor
A dark, futuristic and slightly surreal sci-fi animated short film from Wolfram Gruss (better known as electronica artist PNFA) and Michael Noll. Wolfram's animation blends CGI through After Effects with Michael's hand drawings to create a fantastic looking world that reveals the story of a very special Janitor that controls day and night on behalf of God.
Technically, this piece is an obvious labour of love and as close to perfection as you can get on a zero budget with the various hand and computer generated images seamlessly blending together into a fluidly styled and oppressive feeling world full of details and texture. Aurally, the film pulls in a minimal but well designed score and sound sphere, also by Wolfram, to really create atmosphere and depth.
Beyond the technical, it's also food for the brain; mildly experimental and highly open to interpretation with potential metaphors running through sociology, religion and simple modern life without ever being pretentious or preachy. The viewer can take from this what they will whether that's simple entertainment, the basis of a night of introspective thoughts or repeat viewings to pick up on the details and further consider the themes.
Coffee rating: 10/10
Notes: Art meets independent animation and it's good!
3
A previous Editor's Choice here on MFM, 3 comes from Coffee Shorts sister company, producers Coffee Films. Running at just three minutes this drama/thriller explores three interwoven relationships through one simple conversation between two best friends.
Classic in its structure and approach to combating a low budget, 3 is very much an actor's piece relying heavily on the cast and story to capture the audience's attention. The director could have done more to make their job easier with conventional style and cuts but takes an unforgivingly minimal approach that makes them work hard throughout to deliver a high impact ending built to a climax by a perfectly paced underscore.
"This is a really interesting short film, and it does a good job at getting across a cohesive plot in such a short period of time. Even non-indie film people can recognize this story, and will definitely be hit hard with the ending once it arrives. Barring a few minor technical issues which could stand some tweaking, it's a really well-done short film."
-Monika DeLeeuw-Taylor, 8.8/10
Click here to read the full review here at MFM
Coffee rating: 7/10
Notes: Solid independent short filmmaking with a dash of style.
Coffee Shorts have a unique approach to distributing short films which uses well established social and video networks to exhibit its filmmakers, earning them income through a series of advertising and partnership deals; just watching the films above helps them earn money. So if you have a short film you think is up to the standard and would like to get involved, have a look around coffeeshorts.co.uk and check out the online submission details; they also accept music videos and trailers for indie DVDs or features.
More short films and mini-reviews next month!
