Human Form: cosmetic surgery as a tool of social oppression to eliminate individuality and identity
Noh Doyeon, “Human Form” (2014) A deeply unsettling short film about a teenage schoolgirl’s quest
Apotheosis: grit, determination and resilience win over inborn gifts in polished sci-fi short
Max Pearce, “Apotheosis” (2022) A very polished short film, with similarities in themes and plot
Eureka! – dealing with depression with comedy and skilful acting
Laura Moss, “Eureka!” (2019) I confess, I saw this comedy sci-fi fantasy short because Karen
Jettison: a parable on the US exploitation of soldiers using time-space travel
J J Pollack, “Jettison” (2021) A young woman, Rebka (Madison Wilson), restless and bored with
The Menu: black comedy satire of class warfare in microcosm
Mark Mylod, “The Menu” (2022) A satirical commentary on Western gastronomy culture – and through
The Simulation: light-hearted comedy and kitsch look hide a dark heart
Faye Fillingham, “The Simulation” (2021) Initially this short seems light-hearted and amusing but on repeated
Mukbang: comedy horror short focus on obsession leading to blackmail and manipulation
Alex Magaña, “Mukbang” (2022) Originating in South Korea, mukbang is an Internet-based audiovisual broadcast or
Sol: a post-apocalyptic story of survival, family relationship and trauma, and hope
Andy Alvarez, “Sol” (2020) In a world devastated by climate change (and perhaps global war),
Australian and New Zealand Films
Wandering Soul: claustrophobic horror film highlights the cynical use of folklore and superstitions as weapons of war
Josh Tanner, “Wandering Soul” (2016) An intensely claustrophobic film, seemingly a ghost story set during
Rick and Ruby: two buddies confront pop culture stereotypes in gory fashion
Scott Woodburn, “Rick and Ruby” (2019) Playing like an episode in a never-ending road-movie series
