Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: HUMANICIDE - Alien Insect-Like Drones Hunt The Last Of Humanity

July 25, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Short Film, Science Fiction

Set forty years after an alien invasion has devastated the planet, the French sci-fi short Humanicide presents a future in which the last remnants of humanity struggle to evade the frightening, insect-like alien drones that hunt them.

Two survivors - Paul (Audren Lancien) and Tripo (Florian Gounaud) struggle to evade the alien drones deep in the French country side.

If they are captured, the drones will "sting" them with a foreign substance that proves quite painful for the victims, but its ultimate effect is unknown.

Is it a fatal poison? A drug?

The film leaves those questions unanswered.

Created by filmmaker Guillaume Oger, Humanicide poses more questions than it answers, which I think is great because it serves to shroud the narrative in a compelling mystique.

It also helps that the short is gorgeous to watch. The lush French countryside seems to burst from the screen in high definition.

However, the design of the alien drones is inspired.

They look unearthly and creepy, yet also are disturbingly familiar because of their insect-like design that seems to be based on hornets.

Watch Humanicide (in French with English subtitles) in its entirety below....

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

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Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: SAURORA - Beneath The Ocean Of A Distant Planet A Life Or Death Struggle Begins

July 21, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Short Film, Science Fiction

The compelling sci-fi short film Saurora is set under the vast ocean of a remote planet.

Two divers are desperate to rescue an injured colleague trapped by debris on the ocean floor.

However, the rescue mission goes awry when one of the divers (Robert Zapf) encounters an entity that jeopardizes the entire crew.

Watching Saurora, I was reminded of the first time I saw James Cameron's groundbreaking sci-fi film The Abyss at the theater.

Written and directed by filmmaker Pavel Siska, the short - like The Abyss - succeeds in capturing the beauty, power, danger and ethereal quality of the ocean. The major difference between the two films being their setting.

While The Abyss is about earth-bound aquatic extraterrestrials, in Saurora, it is humans who are the alien visitors.

Watch Saurora in its entirety below ...

Saurora is among a rare number of films that successfully combines live action with CGI in order to create captivating worlds that excite the imagination.

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

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Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: GROW - In 2083 Air Has Become A Precious Commodity Due To Climate Change

July 02, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Short Film, Science Fiction

In the sci-fi short GROW, we visit the year 2083 where catastrophic climate change has destroyed much of civilization. The air has also become irreparably polluted.

Most plant life - as well as those who grow them - has been eradicated. As a result, oxygen has become a commodity that must be purchased in order to survive.

Major corporations (it's always damn corporations isn't it?) control the market for air filters, the only means to breathe in this deadly new global environment.

Watch the provocative short GROW here ...

GROW is an outstanding representation of a burgeoning sub-genre known as "cli-fi."

Cli-fi is fiction that speculates how climate change and global warming may affect our environment, economy, technology, governments, and society as a whole.

GROW not only has a provocative premise, but it also skillfully executes said premise with impressive production value, creating a highly realized, haunting, and desperate future.

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

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Year Of The Snake - A Delirious Superhero Satire

June 28, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction, Satire

Let me begin by stating Year Of The Snake (YOTS) is unlike any web series I've ever seen.

It gleefully defies convention, as well as any attempt to be categorized.

Superficially, it appears to be a satire of superhero story conventions, as well as vintage fish-out-of-water tv sitcoms like Perfect Strangers, Bosom Buddies, and Mork & Mindy.

However, it quickly morphs into a hurricane of utter narrative chaos - with periodic flashes of cunning social satire.

Written and directed by Nic Collins, YOTS is a nine episode web series about Snake (Patrick Lindhorst), a superpowered alien sent to earth to assassinate a human stoner designated only as "The Special," by a despotic galactic overlord known as "The Desolate One."

Snake befriends his mark instead.

Each episode of YOTS chronicles Snake's addled quest to understand the human experience with all its inherent complexity, weirdness, and vulnerability.

Over the course of its run, YOTS provides surprisingly astute social commentary on various issues, including:

modern dating rituals, such as the use of apps like Tinder
sexual objectification and harassment
televangelists and religious fundamentalism
stoner and "dudebro" cultural attitudes
rote tropes used in superhero narratives

Watch this series teaser to get a peek inside the fevered world of YOTS ...

Year Of The Snake is definitely a strange, unique animal that forges a narrative far from the beaten path.

If you are looking for an excursion beyond the borders of typical genre fare, you will not be disappointed.

Watch all nine episodes of the web series on its official YouTube channel.

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Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: TRIAL - Fringe Science Gives A Critically Wounded Soldier New Life - At A Cost

June 24, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Short Film, Science Fiction

The sci-fi short film TRIAL tells the story of Aaron, a solider grievously wounded in battle, who has given up his will to live.

Due to the war's low recruitment numbers and high casualty rate, a mysterious doctor (Ana Ularu), visits Aaron in the hospital to inform him she will heal him via an experimental medical procedure.

The experiment seems successful as Aaron awakens to find he has a new, healthy (and handsome) body. However, he quickly learns the dark secret behind the procedure - as well as the price he must pay for his new vitality.

Written and directed by filmmakers The Brothers Lynch, TRIAL is captivating sci-fi from start to finish.

The film successfully marries its provocative premise with terrific cast performances. Of special note, Joseph Mawle (Game of Thrones) and Tom Cullen shine as wounded Aaron and new Aaron respectively.

The film also boasts a highly polished, atmospheric look due to its exceptional cinematography and overall production design.

Watch TRIAL here ...

Bottom line - TRIAL is an outstanding sci-fi short that makes for a singular viewing experience.

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

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Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: KARA - An Unofficial Star Wars Film

June 03, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction, Short Film

KARA is the extremely impressive, unofficial fan film set in the Star Wars universe.

The film opens on the titular Kara (Andra Nechita) and her father Markus (Peter Arpesella) marching across a vast desert.

While they are making their trek, they witness a spectacular dogfight in the sky above them between Imperial TIE fighters and a squad of rebel X-Wing fighters.

Athena (Daniela Flynn), one of the rebel squad leaders, ejects after her X-Wing is heavily damaged in the battle.

She lands near Kara and Markus' location. After determining they are not Imperial agents, she decides to join them on their trek to the nearest rebel base.

However, stormtroopers quickly catch up to them, and a firefight ensues.

During the hottest part of the battle, a secret is revealed to Athena that signifies a turning of the tide in favor of the rebellion.

With KARA, writer and director Joe Sill has produced a short that looks as if it could be a deleted scene from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Sill has paid remarkable attention to detail in terms of mimicking the production design, tone, and style of the iconic sci-fi films.

But what makes this short truly an achievement is within its seven minute runtime, you are introduced to the three protagonists and become fully invested in their plight.

This is because there is a very human and poignant story at the core of this visual effects showcase.

Watch KARA here ...

The vision, style, and technical proficiency on display in KARA has convinced me Joe Sill is a young talent who will leave an indelible mark on filmmaking.

If the force is with us.

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

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Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: ARENE - An Action Thriller From Denmark

April 13, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction, Short Film

At just over four minutes in length, the Danish sci-fi short ARENE doesn't waste any time getting to the action.

Set in a apocalyptic future, the titular Arene (Katarina Strahinic) is a seemingly unassuming woman being held captive aboard a military transport aircraft.

However, her captors quickly realize there is much more to her than meets the eye.

Watch the complete short film here ...

Written and directed by Henrik B. Clausen, ARENE boasts dynamic fight scenes and action sequences, complemented by impressive visual effects for an independent film.

The film's biggest drawback is its very brief running time. It feels like you are watching a single scene from a much longer movie.

You definitely are left wanting to know more about Arene, as well as the world she inhabits.

My hope is the filmmakers garner enough support to be able to revisit the world of ARENE either via a series or feature-length film.

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

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Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: CONNECTED Starring Pamela Anderson As You've Never Seen Her Before!

April 10, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Short Film, Science Fiction

Connected is the provocative science fiction short film by Luke Gilford, narrated by Jane Fonda, and starring Pamela Anderson in a role as you've never seen her before!

Anderson is completely devoid of glitz and glammed-out artifice in her poignant portrayal as Jackie; a health and wellness obsessed spin instructor desperately seeking fulfillment in her life.

When Jackie is invited by an acquaintance (Dree Hemingway) to visit a cutting-edge, New Age wellness center, she accepts hoping to find the human and spiritual connection she longs for in her high tech world.

Watch Connected On Youtube:

YouTube thumbnail image of sci-fi short "Connected" starring Pamela Anderson.

Connected is a brutally introspective slice-of-life science fiction story that critiques the promises of youth and fulfillment proffered by the fitness and self-help industries.

Promises that often leave many feeling inadequate and adrift.

I highly recommend this affecting short film due to its social commentary, as well as the revelatory and brave performance by Anderson.

Warning: due to a scene of brief nudity, this film isn't appropriate for all ages, and is NSFW.

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

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Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: The Adept - What Happens When The Line Between Science And Magic Blurs?

April 04, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Short Film, Science Fiction, Fantasy

The Adept is an intriguing new sci-fi/fantasy short by filmmaker Adam Stern.

Ben (Adam Greydon Reid) and Maddy (Jennifer Spence) are a brilliant married scientist couple at home working on a problem with their research.

As Ben is theorizing a complex solution, he inadvertently gains control of a unknown force that grants him abilities that seem like... magic.

As he and Maddy process the tremendous implications of their discovery, they come to the attention of mysterious strangers.

What happens next will alter their world forever.

Watch The Adept in its entirety here ...

Also, listen to the gorgeous main theme, composed by Adam Stern ...

[UPDATE: Check out The 7th Matrix interview with The Adept creator Adam Stern!]

The Adept raises fascinating questions about our perception of reality, and the relationship between science and magic.

Also, the film is very well acted and produced, with solid visual effects - as well as a cliffhanger ending that hints at more to come.

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

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Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: UFO Diary - During WWII, Women Military Officers Thwart An Alien Invasion

March 16, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Short Film, Science Fiction

Just in time to celebrate Women's History Month, as well as the invaluable contributions made by women of the United States armed services during World War II, the period sci-fi comedy short UFO Diary has been released.

The short is set three months after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. The United States has just entered World War II, and for the first time in history women are allowed to serve in the U.S. military in roles other than in nursing.

On February 24, 1942, Captain Diana Ravello (Govindini Murty) and Lieutenant Margie Petrova (Rachel Newell) have been tasked by the Women's Army Corps (WAC) to create a film documenting the daily life of women soldiers on the Fort MacArthur army base in San Pedro, California.

As the two women go about filming, they make an unbelievable discovery that leads to them being instrumental in thwarting an alien invasion of Los Angeles.

Watch UFO Diary in its entirety here ...

Creator and director Jason Apuzzo was inspired to make the film by an actual historical event that is also one of the most mysterious occurrences of the second world war, the Battle Of Los Angeles a.k.a. The Great Los Angeles Air Raid.

Apuzzo and his production team went to extraordinary lengths in recreating the look and feel of classic John Ford World War II films, while seamlessly integrating the latest in 3D and CGI visual effects.

The result is a marvelous conflation of real-world history with an audacious science fiction narrative.

However, UFO Diary's greatest achievement is its laudable tribute to the courageous women who served in the United States armed forces during the most pivotal military conflict in world history.

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Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: 'Lost' Stars Reunite In Provocative Short VISIBLE

March 01, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Short Film, Science Fiction

The short film VISIBLE has a very provocative and unique sci-fi premise - in 2016, all of humanity suddenly turns invisible.

Scientists attempt to explain with many theories, but ultimately no one uncovers what causes this global catastrophic event.

The world as we know it comes crashing down.

Decades later, society has been rebuilt with those surviving having adapted to the new status quo.

Then a second mysterious phenomenon occurs.

A few individuals suddenly become visible again.

Evidently if someone expresses who they truly are - good or bad - and another person sees this expression - she becomes visible.

As VISIBLE opens we meet Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond, Lost), an unnamed painter who runs his own gallery.

One fateful day, a "visible" nameless woman portrayed by Sonya Walger (Penny, Lost) enters his gallery.

Their encounter changes the painter's entire life.

Written by Andrea Snider, VISIBLE is an elegant, fascinating rumination on purpose, identity, and connection.

Watching Cusick and Walger onscreen together makes you remember why their star-crossed lovers Penny and Desmond became two breakout characters on Lost.

Their onscreen chemistry remains undiminished.

Watch the entire short film here...

With a compellingly contemplative premise, exquisite direction, gorgeous cinematography, and two charismatic leads, VISIBLE is a singular viewing experience.

Discover more about this fascinating short film by visiting its official website: VisibleMovie.com

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Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: SHADOWS - In London 2037, Big Brother Has Arrived

February 18, 2016 by Rod T. Faulkner in Short Film, Science Fiction

In 2015 after a series of devastating terrorist attacks on the city of London, the government suffers a violent coup d'etat led by a nebulous organization known only as "Security Services."

After setting up a new interim government, Security Services enacts a drastic set of national security protocols designated as The Shadow Initiative.

Fast forward to 2037. Using next-generation surveillance technology, common digital devices such as smartphones and televisions can be used by the state to spy on the citizenry.

Weaponized drones constantly patrol the streets of London.

The British military brutally confront anyone deemed suspicious by the government, or identified as part of a growing underground resistance.

Civil liberties are a thing of the past.

This is the world of SHADOWS, an Orwellian nightmare inspired by recent global events.

Filmmakers Luke Armstrong and Johnny Sachon envision a near-future where the public has ceded all privacy and individual freedoms to the government out of fear and paranoia.

The film makes you ponder the very uncomfortable reality of how close we are to creating a similar world.

Filmed in London using striking visual effects, SHADOWS follows three young revolutionaries - Lee (Johnny Sachon), his girlfriend Jess (Holly Georgia), and his sister Scarlett (Katie Goldfinch) - as they concoct a strategy to impair the state's surveillance software.

However, their plans are discovered, and the trio must make a fateful stand against the totalitarian regime.

Watch SHADOWS in its entirety here ...

SHADOWS succeeds in being a window into a possible future disturbingly far too close to becoming a reality.

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