What’s the point of short films? It’s a question that gets thrown around a lot in independent film. Is it a calling card? Proof of concept? Or is a short something that you just have to make as part of your creative essence? For five brilliant short filmmakers who played in the insanely competitive shorts program at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, it could be all of the above. Listen to this roundtable conversation about how they made their films and why.
Lance (In A Neck Brace), directed by Chloé Aktas
The logline per Sundance:
"After a devastating breakup, Lance listens to instructional cassette tapes on how to heal his broken heart."
Do Not Split, directed by Anders Hammer
Description from Sundance:
"The story of the 2019 Hong Kong protests, told through a series of demonstrations by local protestors that escalate into conflict when highly armed police appear on the scene."
Little Chief, directed by Erica Tremblay
Description from Sundance:
"The lives of a Native woman and a troubled young boy intersect over the course of a school day on a reservation in Oklahoma."
Junior Bangers, directed by Danny Lee
Description from Sundance:
"In England, banger racing isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. Join 11-year-olds Finn and Harley on a cold winter race day in Birmingham."
He’s the One, directed By Jessie Kahnweiler
Poster image of He’s The One by Jessie Kahnweiler, an official selection of the Shorts Programs at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.
Description from Sundance:
“Girl meets guy and falls head over heels, but a shocking discovery forces her to question everything. A dark comedy about falling in love with the one person you’re supposed to hate.”
Thank you Jessie, Danny, Erica, Anders, and Chloé!
For more, see our ongoing list of coverage of the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
Header image: Lance in a Neck Brace
