This past weekend, I attended Women X Film Festival and had the pleasure of seeing some amazing films written and directed by women from around the world. Here are some of my favorite short films from the festival.
Love Spell
Director: Lauren Vevers
Writer: Lauren Vevers
Producers: Jen Carcoran
Language: English
In this comical and nostalgic coming-of-age film set in 1999, Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan Amber (Brogan Gilbert), casts a spell on her best friend Demi (Katie Davidson-Powell) to make her fall in love with her in time for the school dance. Love Spell is available to watch on Vimeo.
The Train to Qinling
Director: Shir Baron
Writer: Shir Baron
Producer: Shir Baron
Language: N/A
The Train of Qinling is an animated short about a Middle-Eastern traveler who gets lost on a train in China with none other than an adorable Panda as a companion. This heart-warming flick with colorful and vivid animation is sure to brighten your day. The Train to Qinling is available to watch on Youtube.
Sh’hab
Director: Amal Al-Muftah
Writer: Amal Al-Muftah
Producer: Basel Owies
Language: Arabic
Sh’hab — which was filmed in Qatar — is a magnificent story about an 8-year-old girl who yearns for the kind of out-at-sea adventure only her brother is allowed to have. The film about family and the beauty of nature contains an impeccable score and picturesque cinematography. Sh’hab is available to watch on Vimeo.
Dispel
Director: Kylie Eaton
Writer: Kylie Eaton
Producers: Julia Kennelly, Eric Ulbrich
Language: English
Due to its top-notch special effects, creative story and an engaging score, Dispel is an all-around gem. The film follows a young girl, Lizzie (Eris Baker), who becomes inspired by her favorite television show to use magic in order to save her struggling mother from addiction. Dispel is available to watch on Vimeo.
The Turtles
Director: Maya Witters
Writer: Maya Witters
Producers: Jalice Corral, Maya Witters
Language: English
Believe it or not this British short is not about turtles. It is about a university student named Emma who has two pet turtles. Also, Emma is gay but hasn’t yet told her boyfirend who she is instead just trying to avoid. Watch this funny and charming short film today. The Turtles is available to watch on Vimeo.
Coming Out for Christmas
Director: Caris Rianne
Writer: Caris Rianne
Producers: Sophie Duncan, Ashton Clarke
Language: English
This lighthearted short is perfect for the holiday season. Coming Out for Christmas focuses on a college girl named Charlotte (Madeleine Webb) who comes home for Christmas intending to come out to her family. Unfortunately for Charlotte, getting the words out amongst the rest of the family’s equally big news proves to be the most difficult part. Coming out for Christmas is available to watch on Vimeo.
Scare
Director: Sarah Grant
Writer: Sarah Grant
Producer: Sarah Grant
Language: English
This poetry-like short film takes us through a woman’s mind as she takes a pregnancy test the morning after a one night stand. This short is brilliantly written and directed and I highly recommend that all women watch it. Scare is available to watch on Youtube.
Roundheads and Cavaliers
Director: Chloe Thomas
Writer: Kevin Mears
Producers: Kevin Mears, Chloe Thomas
Language: English
Roundheads and Cavaliers is a hilarious spoof in which Alice (Cariad Lloyd) attends a war reenactment and makes an unlikely new connection with Keith (Alex Carter). This film is clever, creative and extremely well executed. Roundheads and Cavaliers is available to watch on Vimeo.
By Blair Krassen @blairlyawake