Beyond Shorts: Heartburn

ABOUT THE EVENT:

An explosive rebound situation, a husband’s hidden chamber of secrets, a group of men radicalizing before our very eyes: this block follows men coming undone with lovers, with each other and with themselves. Bitter, unsettling and occasionally ugly, these shorts trace a throughline of masculinity fraying at the edges, whether the wound is romantic, repressed or entirely self-inflicted.

ABOUT THE FILMS:

“Early Human Media,” Dir. Adrian Delcan, 12 Mins, USA

At the end of their second date, Joaquin accepts Misty’s invitation up to her apartment, but the night takes a turn when her eccentric brother subjects him to a surreal trial that leaves him questioning reality and love.

FORMAT: DCP

“The Sorrows of Young Charlotte,” Dir. Shir Ariya, 14 Mins, UK

Still nursing a breakup, Charlie has a rebound night with her friend Werther, but when he pops her ex’s potency pills, unrequited love and pharmaceutical overkill collide in a most unexpected way.

FORMAT: DCP

“Fester,” Dir. Max Parr, 18 Mins, Canada

Unable to digest the end of his relationship, Robert develops a haunting gut-rot that sends him spiraling down the toilet… and into his ex-girlfriend’s new lover’s apartment.

FORMAT: DCP

“Jack & Christine,” Dir. Noam Kroll, 9 Mins, USA

A quiet dinner party spirals into emotional chaos when a mysterious guest from the past arrives.

FORMAT: DCP

“Friends Like Us,” Dir. Ray Savaya, 11 Mins, Canada

A dark comedic thriller where two sitcom actors have to reenact a new version of their show’s series finale after a crazed fan keeps them hostage.

FORMAT: DCP

“Overlooked,” Dir. Lola Blanc, 4 Mins, USA

In this 8mm oner, a group of men become more radicalized with each turn of the camera.

FORMAT: DCP

“Bad Look,” Dir. Maxwell Rousso, 16 Mins, USA/Germany

After her first nude photo shoot, an ambitious model becomes unsettled by the way a well-known photographer has framed and interpreted her body. When she confronts him to regain control of the images, their negotiation spirals into a charged argument that exposes the power and insecurity underlying their collaboration.

FORMAT: DCP

“Mancave,” Dir. Fredrik S. Hana, 23 Mins, Norway

Charlotte Husebø is drawn into a labyrinth of repressed fantasies and dark secrets when she discovers that her husband, Didrik Husebø, has a hidden room in the family’s garage.

FORMAT: DCP