As I reported before, I’ve chosen to look at the shorts presented this year and I suspect half of what’s presented will be available at other similarly themed events. When my focus is on the genre of magical realism, what I offer is a look at these shorts which really caught my attention above all other screenings. Sadly, when doing remote coverage, some films might not be accessible, and that’s okay. They may show up at Fantasia Film Festival or another local Asian celebration of movies next, and I’m crossing my fingers!
Ruya
Sany (Bernadette Balagtas) is a dreamweaver, and in this world, they are more than storytellers. They interpret life’s major events and it’s woven into a tapestry. Not everyone can read the colours and patterns put into the t’nalaks. I couldn’t help but want to be reminded about how strings intertwine in what The Fates from Greek legend weave; however, those threads have a different meaning. And unlike what the dreamcatcher does, what’s made here is more about remembering one’s heritage more than anything else.
Sadly, after she suffers a heart attack, she can’t continue making this long piece of cloth. And it’s up to her daughter Ruya (Yssamei Panganiban) to understand what this tapestry means to the family. And when not everyone is familiar with indigenous Filipino culture, what’s revealed is fascinating!
I was captivated by the later moments as the film attempts to explain who Fu Dalu, the Spirit of Abaca, is. Even then, what this story presents is scratching the surface. Afterwards, I researched further, and I’m glad the aboriginal fascination with the Dreaming isn’t limited to Australia!
My Only Friend is a Robot Named Beans
When Ruby (Midori Francis) moves to the city and has no new friends, her parents send a care package! Inside it is a robot to look after her when the folks can’t. And this amusing tale from writer/director Anika Kan Grevstad also has a social commentary! What I read from this short is that people have to make personal connections that go beyond talking on a computer.
The humour is rather funny as the machine and human share a bed. However, when the machine’s programming is revealed, what this individual learns is how to reach out to others. Folks have to socialize, and that’s a message not fully explored in this short film. Although this woman can communicate on the computer, finding chances to meet in person seems tough, and that’s relatable.
Now I just have to wonder about those robot pets from long ago. It was a fad, but those machines can’t replace the real thing regarding companionship. But I’m still fearful of what some tech firms are designing, robots designed for even intimate things, namely sex, and although that’s not implied in this film, what’s happening in this world is scary!
First Line
Not every anime studio works the same way, and what this narrative offers is a peek at how to get started. But there’s more to it than showing how Milo is struggling. He’s not sure if he has what it takes to keep going. As an apprentice who is still learning the ropes, his insecurities make up the plot.
This short offers a rare peak of the production pipeline. Not everyone can say they have gotten a tour of a working studio and what’s presented here feels fairly accurate, based on what I recall when I visited Japan. The group I was with got to visit Studio Ghibli and what’s presented feels very familiar.
As for whether there’ll be more, I’ll have to keep tabs on TOHO’s movie YouTube channel to find out! And yes, even I did a double-take to learn the talent behind making this short is named China.