Although it would be rather hyperbolic to suggest that District 9 represents a milestone in 21st century science fiction cinema, Neil Blomkamp’s gritty tale of aliens among us certainly does set the pace for a new trend. And it is this: science fiction rooted in near-future speculation. While we can admire the grace and ease with which CGI elements are implanted into a familiar reality, films that begin with our reality instead of outright inventing new worlds not only look good but offer fertile opportunities to hold a mirror up to our In these four short films, the near future can be anything – from Police State Los Angeles, complete with deadly Robocop-esque mechs, a Moscow in which robots and futuristic police forces co-exist with old Russian cars and historic buildings, or a South American city invaded by giant robots. Or the future isn’t so much future or past, but some alternate, Twilight Zone-like dimension of mind; a magical realist stage for drama.
The Raven
A hum-drum premise with storytelling flaws presented, nonetheless, with great effect by Peruvian writer-director Ricardo de Montreuil as we follow a young man’s confrontation with the LAPD. Hopefully as the film evolves into a full-length feature, the script will be tightened up and the story developed beyond the comic book trope.
The Gift
Carl Erik Rinsch directs a breathtaking short film that has it all: lush filming, gorgeous industrial design, and the city of Moscow. Throw in an intriguing plot revolving around a mysterious gift, and this is one short film that begs for the feature-length treatment. Fortunately, studios have taken an interest…
Panic Attack!
Robot invasion! Apparently shot on a budget of $500 by Uruguayan director Fede Alvarez, this short film launches a robot apocalypse on Montevideo that is so convincing one could think of it as a War of the Worlds prank. Sam Raimi’s production company, Ghost House Pictures, has apparently inked a deal with Alvarez to turn the short into a feature film.
Terminus
The last film of this roundup, Terminus, isn’t really science fiction although, like the others, it makes use of effects seamlessly integrated into real urban environments. Terminus may have allegorical and Kafkaesque significance, if you want to make the leap, but in essence it’s a beautifully filmed mood piece by Canadian commercial director Trevor Cawood. Fun fact: District 9 screenwriter Terri Tatchell is reportedly working on a feature-length script based on this film. I’m not sure how the concept will translate to the big-screen, but it will be fascinating to find out.