The aftermath of a police shooting is commented on through street art and spoken word in Night Watches Us. On August 17, 2018, Nicolas Gibbs, a 24-year-old black Montreal man, was gunned down by police while having a mental breakdown. Through a mix of music, dance, and spoken word, the memory of Nicholas is paid…
Best known for playing Art the Clown in the Terrifier series, David Howard Thornton gets to play another famous clown villain in the Batman fan film Joker’s Wild. In this 13-minute horror short film written and directed by Aaron Bennett, The Joker (Thornton) has Jason Todd (Joel LeBlanc), aka Robin, prisoner and proceeds to torture…
Creepy Bits Season 2 is a 10-episode chilling horror collection created by David J. Fernandes, that delves deep into the unknown, drawing inspiration from contemporary issues and venturing into uncharted territories of fear. Creepy Bits Season 2, Episode 1: The Massacurra Man – Directed by Adrian Bobb Hitman Jamie targets Leslie, the unassuming owner of…
The Oscar-nominated short Films in the documentary category tackle a wide range of subjects, all with an average running time of about half an hour. This year’s nominees tackle everything from economic justice to censorship in schools to an appreciation of music. There’s even a personal interest doc about two grandmothers. Nǎi Nai and Wài…
Short films are traditionally an outlet for up-and-coming filmmakers to develop their craft. However, three out of five of the 2024 Oscar-nominated short films feature established stars and filmmakers, including David Oyelowo (Selma), Britney Snow (Pitch Perfect, X), and of course a star-studded Roald Dahl adaptation by Wes Anderson (Asteroid City, The Grand Budapest Hotel)….
While animation is typically viewed as a children’s medium, the 2024 Oscar-nominated short Films in the animation category take on decidedly more mature subject matter. The five nominated short films deal with subject matters, such as conservative dress codes, the Holocaust, suggestions of sexual violence, a death row inmate, and war. It is only one…
Here are our capsule reviews for the International Shorts After Dark showcase from the 2023 Toronto After Dark Film Festival. International Shorts After Dark Showcase Toad Boy A school principal tries to help a troubled boy. This is a twisted short that builds up to a very body horror-ish climax. 3.5/5 Butterscotch Best International…
Here are our capsule reviews of the Canadian Shorts After Dark line-up. Canadian Shorts After Dark Showcase Night Drives: Campfire in the Sky Co-workers gossip about their latest camping trip, and one gets decidedly weird. Created with rotoscoped animation, this short, which is part of a more extensive series, is all about the matter-of-fact way…
Two former lovers apart for 25 years reunite under unfortunate circumstances in Strange Way of Life. Silva (Pedro Pascal) rides from his ranch to the town of Bitter Creek, where he is reunited with Sheriff Jake (Ethan Hawke). The two haven’t seen each other for 25 years, since they were young gunslingers and secret lovers…
A seductive vampire stalks victims in a carnival in Parasite Lady. Miranda (Arrielle Edwards) is a vampire who awakens daily in a seedy nearby and seeks out victims from a nearby carnival. However, Miranda encounters Catherine (Ali Chappell), whom she desires to be more than just a victim. However, this goes against the wishes of…
