Céline Roustan
Contributor
As 2017 comes to an end, I wrap my first year at Short of the Week. What a year since Jason welcomed me to the team — first as an intern, then a few months later as a full person. I used to be a short film aficionado but after multiplying my consumption by at least ten, and with brand new curation glasses on, I can only say one thing – short films ROCK! They are a legitimate form, and should not be treated simply as a proof of concept. Should a short film be successful and turn into an even greater bigger project (Frankie Shaw’s SMILF) GREAT, but somehow I feel used when the initial motive is not simply to be an amazing short film!
This year, I liked how shorts incorporated technology and social media – aka the crazy/scary way they have taken over our IRL lives. Ultimately, I’m a sucker for great writing showcased by amazing performances. My 2017 top 10 definitely reflects that, as for my top pick, I got to watch Andrew Fitzgerald’s I Know You From Somewhere early in January 2017 as I was watching a great amount of content. Still it stood out and eleven months later was still with me. Props to Rob Savage for making me like a genre I usually do not pay much attention to with Dawn of the Deaf.
My wish for 2018 is to see more of Neon’s initiative pairing a short film with a feature length film when released in theaters. Like they did with 5 Films About Technology introducing alum Nacho Vigalongo’s Colossal. Despite my unconditional love for Olaf, I have to admit that he did not help, but that kind of pairing is one of the things I really like from film festivals.