Eat My Shorts: It's Tough Being a Kid

Because I think it's important for everyone to gain at least a little exposure, this week we're focusing solely on short films created by student filmmakers. Yes, we're spanning the globe in search of some quality student-related content. (Okay, we're not exactly spanning the globe, just sort of hopping around a bit with stops in the UK, Canada and the United States.)

I enjoy watching student films because there's a ton of passion, creativity and energy put into each one. With not much time and a very small budget to work with, these kids must learn to perfect, in my opinion, the most important aspect of a film: Its story.

The following short films all feature students utilizing whatever they have in front of them to create a compelling story. And they certainly succeed. As always, if you know of any fun little short films available to watch online, feel free to send all links, tips and suggestions to shorts AT cinematical DOT com. Now, let's go watch some shorts ...

The first two short films come from across the pond and are featured on the website Student Films, which is geared toward student films from UK independent filmmakers. I find it interesting to watch what folks from other countries are throwing together. What are their ideas? What are they passionate about? And how do these differ from the short films we have here in the States? You be the judge.

• In Wilde's Cards, a compulsive blackjack gambler finds himself stuck chasing an elusive hand. When a mysterious woman enters his frustrated world, will he give up one addiction for another? Written and directed by Robin Whitten, pic was shot on 16mm film in only five days.
• Okay, this one seems pretty normal ... at first. Your basic setup: A guy hires a high-priced escort named Isabelle , takes her to a hotel room and, well ... Love the cinematography. Love the tone. The film has a pretty twisted ending that I refuse to give away, so go check it out now.

As we leave the UK, our next stop on this international student films edition of Eat My Shorts is Canada. Go Canucks!

• No Comply is a quick little animated film born out of the Vancouver Film School. Directed by Kevin Elam, pic attempts to show the trials and tribulations of your average skateboarder as they cruise the streets, doing their best to escape the evil eye of law enforcement. Those of you who skateboard will love how the cops are depicted in this one.
• The Uncooperative Cup comes from the Ontario College of Art and was directed by Nikki Woolsey and Jon McCurley. Here, claymation is used to tell the tale of an old man and his uncooperative glass of juice. See if you can guess who the old man resembles.

Finally, our last short film comes from right here in the United States and was also found on a website called Student Films (No relation to the UK version, I assume).

• I'm not a huge fan of voiceovers, but I feel the lengthy narration serves an important purpose in Snooze. Directed by Justin Slater and Jeff Kaplan, Snooze took home Best Picture and Best Drama at the 2006 Campus Movie Fest in Atlanta, Georgia. The requirements for the festival were as follows: Create a short film in one week with a story that revolved around the number five.

Once again folks, please send all tips, links and suggestions regarding Eat My Shorts to shorts AT cinematical DOT com.