The internet is a repository of an endless number of marvels. Surfing it reveals hidden gems of such quality and beauty that one simply cannot believe one’s eyes. About a couple of years ago, I too stumbled upon a precious treasure of brilliance in the form of DUST films (www.watchdust.com). The website describes itself as a “sci-fi brand that presents thought-provoking visions of the future.” It is a platform for feature and short films, series, and podcasts by established and emerging voices. Its library consists of hundreds of films. Think of Black Mirror, but bigger, better and more diverse.
Of particular interest are the DUST short films, some of which are very good, while others are just marvellous, and none are bad. All kinds of sci-fi films find a space on the platform, so parental guidance and discretion might be needed.
Here we briefly review some of our favourite DUST films.
The OceanMaker
At just over nine-and-a-half minutes, this film written, directed and produced by Lucas Martell is set in a dystopian future where the seas have disappeared and the powerful harvest the clouds for water. A courageous pilot fights vicious sky pirates while they try to rob clouds, and she tries to make rain. Will she succeed? Watch it; it might rain from your eyes too!
The Secret Number
A brilliant mathematician named Ersheim has been institutionalized in a mental hospital. Dr Simon Tomlin, a psychiatrist at the hospital, has an eerie conversation with the mathematician in which the latter tries to convince him about the existence of a secret integer between three and four. Seeds of doubt are sown in the doctor’s mind and he is compelled to dig deeper, which only throws up more questions. When Ersheim disappears from the hospital under mysterious circumstances, the many threads of the story unravel before connecting into a sensible loop.
Genghis Khan Conquers the Moon
At a little less than fifteen minutes, this film by Kerry Yang pitches the greatest conqueror the world has ever known against the Sea of Tranquility on the Moon. The great Khan is sent hurling out on a great spiritual journey to discover the futility of trying to have everything and the limits of power. This film glides through the vast space of its subject-matter with effortless ease.
So You’ve Grown Attached
In this film by Kate Tsang, when his friend starts to grow up and begins to feel embarrassed about her association with him, an imaginary friend has to consider retirement. Watch this bitter-sweet film about the travails of moving out of sweet, sweet childhood, from a fresh and novel perspective.
Alientologists
This bold synthesis of the genres of sci-fi and musical by Tyler Rabinowitz comes together really well. The Earth no longer exists and an advanced alien race picks up human artifacts from space and examines them, as a paleontologist or an archaeologist might. They discover a jukebox, which introduces them to the greatest of human creations: Music and dance.
The Final Offer
This film by Mark Slutsky examines the nature of colonization and resistance. A down-on-luck lawyer wakes up in a room where a woman he had been introduced to on the previous evening is ready with a proposal to buy the Earth’s oceans from him. He has only five minutes to complete the negotiation. Can he save our oceans (and our very existence) at such short notice?
Bear Discovers Fire
Directed by Ben Leonberg and produced by Scott Riehs, this film, based on a short story by Terry Bisson, follows a middle-aged man named Bobby, living alone on a farm, on a weekend trip with his sheltered nephew. They run into a bear who has discovered fire and the proverbial ball is set rolling.
Do you like our list? Did you check out the website? Any other favourites? Write to us at zaanvanlokchaar@gmail.com
