The Best Indie SFF Short Films & Web Series

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Monsters Logo

Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: MONSTERS - A Dystopian Fairy Tale

February 15, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

MONSTERS is a gripping sci-fi short that tells the story of Jenn, a bright, inquisitive 9-year old girl cloistered in an underground bunker with her parents and older brother.

Like a princess in an ivory tower from a Grimm Brothers fairy tale, Jenn (Caitlin Carmichael) has spent her entire life in her family's bunker, forbidden to venture outside due to the decimated world being ravaged by horrifying, mysterious monsters.

However, Jenn's curiosity gets the better of her. 

She defies her parents, and manages to escape.

What she discovers outside the bunker changes her life forever.

Written, produced, and directed by filmmaking team Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman, MONSTERS is dark, and deeply unsettling.

The most valuable player in this eerie, claustrophobic short  is young Caitlin Carmichael, who portrays Jenn with precocious charm. 

When you first meet her, you instantly become invested in  her well-being as she embarks on an odyssey to discover the truth about her world - and the monsters that inhabit it.

I will say the plot twist at the end of the film is completely unexpected, but it doesn't feel trite  or arbitrary.

In fact, the shocking reveal may leave you feeling more disturbed at the film's conclusion than you did at its beginning.

Watch MONSTERS in its entirety here...

For more information about the production of this small sci-fi gem, visit the official web site Monsters-ShortFilm.com.


Get your digital copy of our ebook 200 Best Online Sci-Fi Short Films. Enjoy over 30 hours of outstanding science fiction and genre web shorts on any screen of your choice.

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February 15, 2016 /Rod T. Faulkner
Monsters science fiction short film, dystopian sci-fi
Science Fiction

Sci-fi Short Film Spotlight: TRAVELER - Four Friends Build A Vehicle That Warps Them Into Adventure

February 01, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Special Feature, Science Fiction

Filmmaker Simon Brown's sci-fi short TRAVELER opens with four friends testing an experimental, jet-powered vehicle deep in the desert.

However, the vehicle  far exceeds their expectations when it proves it has the capability to traverse time and space.

Things get really interesting when mysterious beings follow their vehicle back to our dimension.

It's obvious this four-minute short is designed to be proof-of-concept for a film or series.

Hopefully, further development on this project will come to fruition, because the snippet of plot shown has much narrative potential.

Produced by The CGI Brothers, it bears the indie studio's trademark exceptional visual effects and cinematography.

It's definitely worth the small investment of time  to watch.

Enjoy TRAVELER in its entirety below ...


Enjoy over 30 hours of outstanding sci-fi, horror, and fantasy short films by downloading our ebook 200 Best Online Sci-Fi Short Films.

All proceeds from the sale of our ebook help to keep our web site independent and AD-FREE.

February 01, 2016 /Rod T. Faulkner
traveler sci-fi short film, traveler science fiction
Special Feature, Science Fiction

Nikola Tesla And The End Of The World - A Historical Science Fiction Adventure

February 01, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

What happens when one of the most brilliant scientific minds in history is transported from the past to save our present?

In the award-winning science fiction web series Nikola Tesla And The End Of The World, physicist Dr. Sophie Clarke (Gillian MacGregor) unwittingly builds a time machine from blueprints created by famed scientist Nikola Tesla (Paul O'Neill).

When Dr. Clarke activates the device during a test, the machine plucks Tesla from the 19th century and brings him to present day London.

Unbeknownst to Dr. Clarke and Tesla, the machine also transported another visitor to the present.

An entity with sinister plans for the modern world.

Paul O'Neill convincingly portrays the eccentric genius as an extremely formal misanthrope, who reacts to the 21st century with bewilderment, dismay, and ultimately, disappointment. 

Gillian MacGregor is terrific as physicist Sophie Clarke. She suffuses Dr. Clarke with earthy charm. Her wit, intellect, and pragmatism is a perfect counter-balance to Tesla's more myopic obsession with science and his conception of progress. 

Series creator/director Ian Strang bringing together one of the most famous inventors of all time and pairing him up with a unpretentious, no-nonsense 21st century woman (also a gifted scientist in her own right) was an inspired stroke!

The result is a well produced, well acted, and attractive web series that not only is zany fun, but also manages to slyly comment on some important contemporary social issues.

While watching, I got the same vibe from the light, airy tone of the series as I did from many of the best episodes of Doctor Who.

Watch the pilot episode of Nikola Tesla below ...

To view the complete series, visit its official YouTube channel: Tesla Series On YouTube.

Because of its inspired premise, whimsical tone, delightful performances, and the use of modern London as a supporting character, Nikola Tesla And The End Of The World gets my highest recommendation.


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February 01, 2016 /Rod T. Faulkner
nikola tesla and the end of the world, ian strang, nikola tesla, nikola tesla science fiction web series
Science Fiction
UncannyValley.jpg

Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: 'Uncanny Valley' - Visit A Future Where Virtual Reality Is Dangerously Addictive

January 25, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction, Special Feature

Uncanny Valley  is a sci-fi short film that presents a future where advanced technology has created a completely immersive virtual reality (VR) video game that is indistinguishable from the real world.

The short incorporates documentary-style testimonials from individuals who have become so addicted to the game, they have neglected their lives and abandoned all of their real world relationships.

Filmmaker Federico Heller has envisioned a dystopia  that feels uncomfortably prescient as addicts describe immersing themselves inside the VR game world  for days at a time.

The film's otherworldly VR environments are dazzling and captivating. The impressive visual effects convincingly convey the seductiveness of the fictional VR game.

Watch Uncanny Valley here ...

Due to its relevant  premise and timely subject matter,  this outstanding sci-fi short gets our highest recommendation.


Enjoy over 30 hours of outstanding sci-fi, horror, and fantasy short films by downloading our ebook 200 Best Online Sci-Fi Short Films.

All proceeds from the sale of our ebook help to keep our web site independent and AD-FREE.

January 25, 2016 /Rod T. Faulkner
virtual reality, oculus rift, Uncanny Valley sci-fi short
Science Fiction, Special Feature
Image Via Futurilla

Image Via Futurilla

Top Indie Sci-Fi, Fantasy, And Horror Web Series Of 2015

January 11, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Special Feature, Science Fiction

2015 was another banner year for independent sci-fi and genre web series.

From a technical standpoint, many of the best web series of 2015 boast production values that make them almost indistinguishable from network and cable series.

The previous year also saw the medium continuing to come into its own as a viable entertainment niche -  with its tremendous potential yet to be fully realized!

The following sci-fi and genre web series are among the very best of 2015.  

Each one is outstanding in terms of premise, narrative structure, characterization, representation, production value, and aesthetic appeal.

So in no particular order, here are The 7th Matrix's picks for the top sci-fi, fantasy, and horror web series of 2015.

The Mercury Men

This ultra-stylish homage to classic sci-fi serials such as Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon is superb in every way.

Set in 1975, a mild-mannered office worker finds himself smack in the middle of an alien invasion while working the late shift alone. 

This project has a complicated history, as it was actually released several years ago as an exclusive feature on the SyFy channel's web site. Then it vanished for several more years, until its creator decided to make all 10 episodes available on YouTube in 2015.

Thank god, because this retro, sci-fi adventure is a fun and wildly entertaining joyride!

Discover more

 

MisSpelled

This charming (pun intended) web series features the misadventures of a coven of five young witches of color.

Quirky, funny, scary, and extremely appealing, the brainchild of creator Lindsey McDowell follows in the footsteps of popular series featuring powerful women, like Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Charmed.

However, instead of being relegated to the role of understanding, "sassy," funny, best friend or sidekick, these young women of color are the main protagonists. 

This web series is a refreshing triumph in the representation of women of color on screen.

Watch, and let it cast its spell on you.

Discover more

Haphead

This cyber-punk adventure is set in a near-future dystopia where video games have become completely immersive experiences due to advances in haptic technology.

Against this backdrop, a recent high school graduate becomes involved in a counter-culture movement of gamers who use advanced haptic technology to learn lethal combat skills.

Because of its subject matter, Haphead feels eerily prophetic.

Adding to the verisimilitude of the series is its gritty tone, exceptional production value, and the engaging performances of the cast - especially the lead actress.

With recent developments in virtual reality tech aimed at the consumer market, Haphead succeeds in not only being a fascinating sci-fi saga, but also as a modern cautionary tale as well.

Discover more

Space Riders: Division Earth

The series introduces us to two incompetent slackers who are granted great powers by the "Galactic Ministry" to protect the earth.

This satire of the popular children's tv series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is irreverent, ridiculous, and laugh-out-loud funny. 

Discover more

The premise behind this web series is brilliantly clever - what if  pivotal fictional moments in comic books, video games, television shows, and movies actually happened?

From the alien invasion of New York City as depicted in the hit film Marvel's The Avengers, to the bloody confrontations of The Bride in Tarantino's Kill Bill opus, each episode hilariously reports on these events by replicating the reporting style of documentaries by esteemed filmmakers such as Ken Burns.

Lending even more credence to these "mockumentaries" are the narrations provided by distinguished character and voice-over actor Phil Morris.

Discover more

Riftworld Chronicles

What happens when a powerful wizard from an alternate dimension finds himself trapped and powerless in our reality?

Starring Tehmoh Penikett (Helo, Battlestar Galactica) and Erin Karplunk (Being Erica), Riftworld Chronicles is a delightful fish-out-of-water fantasy-comedy.

Armed with charismatic leads, top-notch visual effects, and a smart script filled with biting social commentary, Riftworld Chronicles is a charmer with mass appeal.

Discover more

L.A. Macabre

One of the most disturbing horror web series I've seen this year, L.A. Macabre tells the story-within-a-story of a group of young Los Angeles documentary filmmakers investigating a local, defunct Charles Manson-like cult.

When one of their group becomes involved with an ex-cult member, the filmmakers begin experiencing strange phenomena that indicate the cult may still be a very dangerous threat.

The story-within-a-story narrative conceit is masterfully used in this project to produce an atmosphere filled with tension, a sense of dire jeopardy, and chills.

Discover more

 

This British import about the arrival of a massive UFO that floats over the city of Bristol, England immediately grabs you by the throat from the explosive opening scene - and doesn't let go.

What separates this web series from all the countless other alien invasion-themed sci-fi shows is its focus on the human equation, in lieu of being a visual effects orgy.

Horizon imagines how the government and its citizens might actually react if an alien spaceship were to appear in the sky.

The result is a gripping, fascinating exploration of an event that would be one of the most monumental in all of human history.

Discover more

AFK

Another golden entrant in the fantasy category, this project - produced and shot in gorgeous New Zealand - tells the story of a group of gamers who find themselves magically transported inside the fictional world of their World Of Warcraft-like online video game. 

They also discover they are inhabiting the gender-swapped bodies of the characters they created for the game.

AFK (Away From Keyboard) is an earnest love letter to gaming, while also being a shrewd commentary on the complex social dynamics specific to the online gaming world.

Discover more

Anamnesis

This web series about four strangers connected by the phenomenon of lucid dreaming is one of the most fascinating and beautifully shot on our list.

The premise of lucid dreaming is grounded in real world science - making it even more compelling. The cast performances are nuanced and completely captivating.

The surreal world of dreams is brought to vibrant life by dazzling, breathtaking cinematography.

Watching Anamnesis is a singular viewing experience we can't recommend highly enough.

Discover more

The Outer Darkness

The Outer Darkness harkens back to fun, creepy, classic tv horror anthologies such as Tales From The Crypt.

This anthology of hair-raising horror tales also has another key component - an utterly grotesque host.

The Croupier is an achievement in ghastly creature design on par with that of the iconic Cryptkeeper.

The Outer Darkness is a welcome return to wonderfully wicked, spine-tingling horror storytelling.

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The Fourth Door

TheFourthDoor

An original web series commissioned by Verizon to help launch its new Go90 mobile app, The Fourth Door is a  project that defies categorization - and that's a good thing.

The story of a woman and young boy fighting to escape a dreamlike alternate dimension is unlike anything we watched last year.

With its eclectic mix of action, mystery, and drama - in addition to bizarre, ethereal landscapes - The Fourth Door will transport you to a world where dreams become reality. A world where nothing is what it seems.

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Surviving

The brainchild of actor/producer/director Reagan Gomez, this web series about two sisters looking for their missing father while coping with the advent of the zombie apocalypse, is a trailblazer.

Born from her frustration with the cardboard depiction of people of color in similar properties, like The Walking Dead, Ms. Gomez weaves a deeply compelling survival story told from the perspective of a Black family.  

These characters possess their own agency, and rich interior lives that make what could be just another by-the-numbers zombie tale an electrifying  narrative.

Surviving is an excellent addition to an ever-growing movement of stories told from the perspective of marginalized and underrepresented groups.

Discover more


So there you have it, The 7th Matrix picks for the best sci-fi and genre web series of 2015.  

We were most excited by many notable trends last year, including the increase in projects created, produced, and directed by diverse filmmakers.

We also continue to be impressed by the grade-A production value of many of these independent projects - projects that look indistinguishable from their network and cable counterparts.

As we stand at the dawn of the new year, I am certain we fans of online genre content will continue to be pleasantly surprised by the quality, originality, and diversity of web series yet to come.

As always, I look forward to another year of discovering and sharing such gems with you.

Wishing you all the best in the new year,

Rod Faulkner

Founder, The 7th Matrix

P.S. Check out what productions made our list of top web series in 2014 and 2013!


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January 11, 2016 /Rod T. Faulkner
top science fiction of 2015, top web series of 2015, AFK web series, The Fourth Door Web Series, anamnesis web series, the outer darkness horror web series, surviving web series, misspelled web series, space riders dvision earth, phil morris real fake history, haphead web series, Horizon sci-fi web series, la macabre web series, the mercury men web series, riftworld chronicles
Special Feature, Science Fiction
Anne & Jake.jpg

Introducing 'Anne & Jake' - A Winning Time Travel Comedy

December 15, 2015 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

While my love of science fiction runs deep, I often need a respite from the overwhelmingly dark and cynical tone that permeates much of the genre today.

Science fiction comedies like Larry And Lucy are much welcome oases.

Another such oasis is Anne & Jake, a winning little time travel comedy web series packed with charm and wit.

Created by writer/producer/actor Victoria Bullock for her LoveDog Productions firm, the web series tells the story of Jake, a brilliant, gawky young scientist, whose time machine inadvertently plucks a British woman named Anne from her gilded life in 1814 London, and plops her into the present day.

While this "fish out of water" premise is a well-treaded narrative trope, the show uses it with remarkable success to mine situational comedy gold.

Anne (portrayed by series creator Bullock) is a young woman who rails against the constraints placed on her by her time period. Intelligent and independent, she is resentful at being forced into an arranged marriage.

However, her world is completely upended when she is suddenly transported 200 years into the future.

Ms. Bullock's performance as Anne is a series highlight.  Her reactions to the conventions and technology of the 21st century generate the bulk of the humor in the series. 

However, Ms. Bullock also uses Anne's observations to make astute commentaries about the social vagaries of modern life.  

A prime example is when Anne discovers television. I won't spoil what she sees, but her reactions provide an unexpected and powerful moment of poignancy.

Ms. Bullock's acting and  insightful writing make me think she is going to be a filmmaker to watch.

The other series star is Matt Dallas, best known for his role as the titular Kyle in the much underrated ABC Family series Kyle XY.

As in Kyle XY, Mr. Dallas brings an earnest, almost boyish-like charisma to the role of Jake. He and Bullock have great chemistry together, which is the cornerstone of the show's humor and charm.

Watch the official series trailer here ...

Watch the misadventures of Anne & Jake unfold on the series YouTube channel.

To discover more about the show, visit its official home at LoveDog Productions.

Because of its charm, wit, charismatic leads, and perceptive social commentary, Anne & Jake is a sci-fi gem.  


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December 15, 2015 /Rod T. Faulkner
anne and jake time travel web series, victoria bullock, lovedog productions, time travel web series, time travel sci fi, matt dallas
Science Fiction

[Special Feature] 'Lost Hope' The Animated Scifi Comedy - At the end of the world We have not Lost Hope

December 12, 2015 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction, Satire

A new animated series made independently by a couple out of Victoria BC Canada has hit the web. The duo of Jeff Saamanen and Natalie Harvey have been a couple for over 15 years, and have built quite a portfolio of creative works. 

PromoPoster-_0005_CaptainHalReiner-MichaelHurst.jpg

But now they have set their sights on creating an animation studio from the basement suite of their rental apartment, converting it entirely into a studio for the production of Lost Hope, a mature, animated, sci-fi comedy.

Imagine Star Wars smashed with the FX network's oh so popular animated spy series Archer!

"Lost Hope will follow the lives of a onboard security team on the USS Hopeful, a massive bastion of humanity on the run from an alien threat. But this looming threat is of their own design, from the years they tortured and experimented on the aliens caught at Roswell, New Mexico.

Our team will suffer for their survival, and the weight of the constant threat of annihilation will wreak havoc on their emotional state. But with no short supply of sarcasm, wit, and determination, our unlikely heroes have not Lost Hope."

Watch the teaser trailer: 

The director emphasized his desire to explore our current day values, our political, racial, and religious divides that while on earth may have seemed relevant, but now how do these issues hold up when faced with the destruction of our entire species?

Lost in space, undermanned, outgunned, and low on resources, the crew will face all manner of space-faring phenomenon and alien species, while dealing with their own internal issues.

It sounds as though they have worked hard to bring this to fruition, and with their Kickstarter landing in January 2016, we hope to see more!

Check out the project across its various social accounts:

Facebook : http://facebook.com/LostHope

Youtube: http://bit.ly/1Y9Ok96


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December 12, 2015 /Rod T. Faulkner
Lost Hope sci-fi animated comedy series, Jeff Saamanen, Natalie Harvey, Michael Hurst, sci-fi animated comedy
Science Fiction, Satire
The Fourth Door Web Series

Enter 'The Fourth Door' - The Supernatural Web Series Starring Monique Coleman & Joey Graceffa

December 06, 2015 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

The Fourth Door is the supernatural web series created by Tony Valenzuela and Jarrett Sleeper for New Form Digital that premiered on Verizon's new mobile app, GO90.

The series stars Monique Coleman (High School Musical) as Lain, a woman who finds herself trapped in limbo along with a young boy named Colin (Reid Miller).

Lain must protect Colin as they attempt to escape a surreal, hallucinogenic dream world ruled by its sinister monarch Raef, portrayed by YouTube personality Joey Graceffa.

As Lain and Colin battle their innermost demons brought to life by limbo, they must discover their true connection to each other in order to defeat Raef and escape.

Let me say now, The Fourth Door is a sumptuous watch.

Co-Creator and Director Tony Valenzuela is an up-and-coming young filmmaker who brings a unique sense of style and flair to his projects.  He came to our attention a few years ago with his wonderfully creepy horror web-anthology Silverwood.

The Fourth Door is further proof his dynamic filmmaking style - while often flamboyant - avoids self-indulgent pretension to remain accessible and compelling.

As for the main cast, Monique Coleman is terrific as Lain.

She imbues Lain with aching vulnerability that is braced by steely resolve. Ms. Coleman's nuanced portrayal creates a welcome new heroine you will want to root for.

Reid Miller offers an exceptional turn as Colin. His heartfelt portrayal exudes the wistfulness, innocence, faith and vulnerability of youth.  This young actor will be definitely one to watch.

I was also impressed with Joey Graceffa as Raef.   

He turns in a mesmerizing performance as the malevolent king of limbo.

In an inspired choice, Mr. Graceffa is dressed in resplendent white, which serves as an effectively jarring dichotomy to the ultimate darkness he represents.

Another series standout is co-creator Jarrett Sleeper as Gabriel - Lian and Colin's sole ally.

He serves as a 21st-century analog to the ancient Greek chorus, with silky-smooth musical commentaries that provide insight into each episode.

Finally, The Fourth Door is an extremely gorgeous looking show, with cinematography that is all at once vibrant, moody, and ethereal. 

Catch a glimpse inside The Fourth Door by watching the official series trailer.

The Fourth Door is a creepy, moving - yet ultimately triumphant - story about fear, loss, love, and hope.

UPDATE 03/27/2024

Verizon’s Go90 mobile app is now defunct. In the years since this spotlight was first published, the series has been available on a myriad of different platforms. Currently, only episodes 2-4 are available online.

This series is so unique and compelling, the link to those episodes are here for your enjoyment: The Fourth Door On DailyMotion.


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December 06, 2015 /Rod T. Faulkner
The Fourth Door Web Series, Monique Coleman, Joey Graceffa, tony valenzuela, New form digital, Verizon GO90
Science Fiction
KosmosMainLogo.png

Kosmos: An Intriguing Sci-Fi Mystery Web Series By Simon Horrocks

September 20, 2015 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

The sci-fi mystery Kosmos is the latest project by celebrated independent film director Simon Horrocks.

The five-part web series tells the story of Philip Huyt (Jeff Dahlgren), a geneticist coping with his wife Amy's (Eline Van der Velden) sudden illness that has left her comatose.

With his heath insurance coverage running out, and his in-laws applying constant pressure for him to withdraw Amy's life support, Phillip faces an agonizing emotional quandary. Then he meets the mysterious Louis Lewis (Marc Zammit).

Louis possesses cutting-edge technology he claims will allow Philip to enter Amy's mind in order to restore her health.

However, it is revealed Amy fell ill under very suspicious circumstances - and there are forces invested in her not recovering at all.

Will Philip be able to unravel the conspiracy surrounding his wife's illness in order to save his family?

Fueled by a successful Kickstarter campaign, Kosmos writer and director Simon Horrocks has created an intensely compelling sci-fi mystery rooted in powerful human drama.

Unfortunately, many of us have dealt with the severe illness of a loved one.

Anchoring the show's core premise in this universal experience makes the lead characters extremely sympathetic.

Jeff Dahlgren turns in a passionate performance as the distraught geneticist Philip, a man grappling with not only his beloved wife's coma, but also questionable technology operating on the furthest fringes of science.

The rest of the cast is also superb - especially Virginia Hey as Diana Lord, Amy's mother.

Being a fan of the sci-fi tv series Farscape, it is a pure joy to see Ms. Hey on screen again after her [much too long] acting sabbatical.

Like she did as Zhaan on Farscape, she brings a regal allure to her role as Philip's steely mother-in-law.

Kosmos features a captivating mystery populated with complex characters. It also has a very cinematic feel that slowly pulls you into this slightly darker, more ominous version of our world. ...

Kosmos is a fascinating mix of poignant human drama and science fiction mystery that makes for a singular viewing experience.

The series has been reformatted into a full-length feature available in its entirety on YouTube:


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September 20, 2015 /Rod T. Faulkner
KOSMOS science fiction web series, Kosmos simon horrocks
Science Fiction
WhippingBoyBWLogo.JPG

Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: 'Whipping Boy' - A Stylish Kubrickian Thriller

September 15, 2015 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

Whipping Boy is the type of film that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until the end credits roll.

Written by Aiah Samba and directed by Michael Chance, Whipping Boy introduces a future in which humanity has become hopelessly dependent on advanced technology mainly controlled by two competing corporations.

The demarcation between rich and poor is acutely pronounced, with the elite residing in shining skyscrapers that soar miles into the sky.

People have become more isolated, often interacting with others mainly via virtual reality.

As a result, many no longer possess the coping skills necessary to deal with the stressors of daily life.

Enter "whips," individuals who voluntarily act as human punching bags - for a set time and price.

These whips hire themselves out to those who want to relieve their stress in a immediate and physical manner.

Against this bizarre futuristic backdrop we meet whip Ollie (Tongayi Chirisa), a tortured man with a fiery temper.

After a meeting with a client goes horribly wrong, Ollie finds himself enmeshed in a mystery involving a mysterious piece of tech people are willing to kill for.

Aiah Samba has written an intelligent, dark, and compelling narrative in which capitalism and technology have pervaded our lives to a grotesque degree.

His characters are dark, flawed, and undeniably fascinating to watch on screen.

Director Michael Chance's vision has brought this world to vivid life. Kubrickian in scope, tone, and detail, the film's set pieces are hallmarked by impressive attention to detail, cinema-quality visual effects, and lush cinematography.

However, the icing on the cake is the film's lead - Zimbabwean actor Tongayi Chirisa. 

From the moment he appears on screen, his smoldering charisma and magnetic performance helps propel Whipping Boy to dramatic heights most genre short films fail to reach.

If there is any justice in the world, Mr. Chirisa will experience a meteoric rise to stardom.

Yeah, his performance is that good.

But don't take my word for it. Watch the complete short film here ...

Listen to our EYE ON SCI-FI podcast featuring WHIPPING BOY!

With its darkly compelling narrative, exceptional performances, and ambitious scope, Whipping Boy assumes a place on our list of the best science fiction short films of 2015.


Enjoy other extraordinary films in our HUGE compilation of 200 outstanding science fiction, fantasy and genre shorts - 200 Best Online Sci-Fi Short Films. Download your copy and enjoy your travels to worlds fantastic!


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September 15, 2015 /Rod T. Faulkner
whipping boy sci-fi short, whipping boy science fiction short film, aiah samba, michael chance, tongayi chirisa
Science Fiction
UPROOTED

Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: UPROOTED By Johnny Likens

August 22, 2015 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

Every so often a project comes along that makes you remember why you fell in love with film as a medium.

UPROOTED by director Johnny Likens is just such a project.

Dialogue is completely absent in this film. Instead, gorgeous visuals are the means by which feelings of deep awe are induced.

As UPROOTED opens, we see a young astronaut deep in contemplation over her life as she prepares to be launched into space.

We are then submerged into a beautiful montage of images representing the astronaut's past, present, and future.

We watch as she roams through lush farmlands bathed in wheat-golden light. Then we observe her sojourns in a vibrant - yet gritty - cityscape. 

Finally, we witness the almost overwhelming majesty of the cosmos along with her.

Mr. Likens created the stunning deep space visuals by incorporating images obtained from the Image Science And Analysis Laboratory of NASA.

Take three minutes out of your day to experience the sublime beauty of UPROOTED (HIGHLY RECOMMEND WATCHING IN HD) ...

This powerful short definitely succeeds in illustrating why space exploration stirs feelings of excitement and wonder few other human endeavors can.

Please share this extraordinary short with a least one other person who needs some inspiration today.


Enjoy over 30 hours of outstanding sci-fi, horror, and fantasy short films by downloading our ebook 200 Best Online Sci-Fi Short Films.


All proceeds from the sale of this ebook help keep The 7th Matrix independent and AD-FREE or you can make a donation via:

 
 
August 22, 2015 /Rod T. Faulkner
uprooted short film, uprooted johnny likens, sci-fi short film, Image And Analysis Laboratory NASA
Science Fiction
posthumanismaniarama

Short Film Spotlight: Posthumanismaniarama! - A Dark Sci-Fi Comedy About Transhumanism

August 15, 2015 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

Transhumanism - the international movement to improve humanity by means of ever advancing technology - is the target of this brilliant and subversive short film by Casey Duke Feldman.

The short is actually a series of vignettes that take place in different settings around the globe, in various time periods.

From the earliest days of dial-up internet in 1996, to the speculated future of 2050 where nanotechnology has become deeply interwoven into the fabric of everyday life, Posthumanismaniarama! explores our storied relationship and obsession with technology through the lens of satire.

A prime example (also a film highlight) is the send-up of Apple's infamous product launches.

After the exhortation of each device's ever more sleeker, faster, and powerful specs, the crowd erupts into an almost orgasmic furor.

Watch the complete short film here ...

With it's  darkly comedic and thoughtful commentary, Posthumanismaniarama! poses significant questions about the future of our increasingly complex relationship with technology.


Enjoy over 30 hours of outstanding sci-fi, horror, and fantasy short films by downloading our ebook 200 Best Online Sci-Fi Short Films.


All proceeds from the sale of this ebook help keep The 7th Matrix independent and AD-FREE.

August 15, 2015 /Rod T. Faulkner
posthumanismaniarama!, sci-fi short film, science fiction short film, posthumanism
Science Fiction
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