Kicking off my coverage of the 50th Annual WorldFest-Houston film festival, here are reviews for four science fiction short films recently screened: Rebel Scum (d: Timothy Van Nguyen), Windows (d: Maru Buendia-Senties), Might (d: Emil Sallinen), and Amoriph (d: April Campion).
For more information about WorldFest-Houston, be sure to check out their site.
Rebel Scum
Written by Paul Van Nguyen and Directed by Timothy Van Nguyen
“A Rebellion pilot is hounded by death from the merciless Empire and a frozen grave, after being abandoned during the retreat of the Rebel Alliance from Hoth.”
This was the first short I watched today, and I was completely surprised that we were opening with a Star Wars fan film. Anyone who knows me knows that I love Star Wars, and seeing this first definitely set the tone for the rest of the day. It felt authentic, like a nice little side story that really could have happened in official canon.
The effects were choppy in places, but they were at least as good as the ones used in the original trilogy. I feel like that lent to the authenticity factor. The music in the short was not John Williams’ recognizable score, but it was certainly an homage to it. Overall, I had a lot of fun with this, especially at the moment when the embittered storm trooper calls the main character “Rebel Scum.” It was a lot of fun. If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll definitely enjoy it.
3.5/5
Windows
Written and Directed by Maru Buendia-Senties
“Two isolated women bond by sharing their lives from a distance through their windows. They are blocks apart, but despite their efforts, will never meet. Two women. Two windows. Two realities.”
Windows is a visually stunning film. The main character spends the majority of her life in a solitary room, with her computer as her only companion. She interacts with it through holographic windows, and it controls her routine. Every day, she works out, does her job, and sleeps. It’s a little repetitive until she realizes the other woman across the way and begins to resist. I thought the ending was somewhat predictable, but well executed. It was a cool sci-fi short.
3/5
Might
Written and Directed by Emil Sallinen
“Maryam, a rebel leader in an archaic world governed by ruthless religion, is set to prove that the god hovering in the sky is a lie. But she is stopped by a holy warrior that turns out to be her lost father. Soon their lives change as they are about to find out a secret only a god can keep.”
Might was my favorite of the sci-fi shorts that I watched today. It is fast paced and intense, with an awesome soundtrack and some very exciting visuals. The synopsis more or less gives away the story, but watching it unfold is well worth your time. I highly recommend it.
4/5
Amoriph
Written by Greg Beck and Directed by April Campion
“Society is on the brink of collapsing when the Nurkus Virus begins to take form and mutate its strain. The only cure is at a decommissioned military base held by a secret government that once you are vaccinated you lose all control if you cross the safe zone barrier you genetically mutate.”
Amoriph was a little darker than the others. It had great music, solid visual effects, and decent acting and camerawork. I felt the story was very predictable though, and some of the more intense scenes didn’t quite fit with the overall pacing of the story. I enjoyed Amoriph for what it was, but I doubt I’ll revisit it.
2.5/5
Due to technical issues, I was unable to see the other two sci-fi shorts that were scheduled for today’s event. However, I have more coverage of Worldfest coming soon, so stay tuned!
