THE November 16 2025 FILM FESTIVAL

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A stunning and deeply human work, "The Dulcinée Dialectic" blurs the lines between documentary, essay, and philosophical cinema. Through the lens of Dulcinée, a brilliant artist living with bipolar disorder, Tao Ruspoli explores creativity, consciousness, and the fragile intersection between human emotion and artificial intelligence.

The film’s raw intimacy, poetic editing, and fearless honesty make it captivating from start to finish. Every minute feels necessary. A daring, beautifully constructed meditation on what it means to be alive and aware in the age of intelligent machines.*

What if FUTURE beings could change our PRESENT?

There aren’t many AI artists who carve out a distinct visual voice, but Vanessa has, and it absolutely shines. She’s created her own poetic language through evolving textures, fluid imperfection, and intellectual play. 

The dynamic between Verdelis and Mycos is not just philosophical, it’s beautifully animated, rich in color, sound, and layered meaning. A standout piece with a signature style. Bravo.*

"I Am Become Death" delivers a sleek, cinematic thrill with a strong story arc and immersive style. Channeling elements of Lucy and Eastern European noir, the film balances mental unraveling with methodical violence in a way that keeps tension high throughout. 

The visuals are consistent and sharp, the pacing tight, and the voice acting surprisingly strong given the AI format. Dialogue flows well, and the overall execution is cold-blooded yet stylish. 

A standout piece in the AI thriller genre. 

A clever social commentary hidden inside the absurdity... a vampire elite feeding off class mobility. 

That’s both hilarious and terrifying. 

Finally a short that is complete as story and visuals...polished and purposeful. Animated satire is often the perfect vessel for truths that are too grotesque when served straight. And it seems this one knows its recipe. *

“Ocean Mirror” delivers a hauntingly beautiful visual poem about the impact of ocean pollution, made even more compelling by its full use of AI-generated imagery, sound, and narration. The cinematography is striking, surreal, immersive, and emotionally charged, showcasing both the fragility and grandeur of the sea.

The message lands strong, and the innovative use of AI adds a futuristic layer to a very present-day concern. Visually captivating, conceptually powerful.

This short lands its satire with style, blending nostalgia and sharp wit into a story that feels both funny and chillingly real. The cartoon jackalope turned AI double is a clever mirror of where Hollywood and media might be headed - just smart pacing, crisp structure, and playful dialogue that keeps it entertaining. 

"Nine Awaken" by Bun Kwai and Amos Why is a charming, well-crafted animation that stands out with memorable storytelling and visual consistency. The routine-bound protagonist and his disruptor make for a sweet, subtly profound tale about breaking free from monotony. Everything clicks here: from the tight production design to the well-acted voices, this short feels complete, heartfelt, and truly entertaining. A festival highlight. *

"We the Change" is a powerful and moving short that avoids the traps of cliché while giving real weight to its message. The blend of activist voices with AI-driven visual poetry feels authentic and collaborative, turning political struggle into art that resonates across cultures. The street-art aesthetic grounds the film, while the call for dignity and unity lands softly but firmly. It’s both a documentary and a collective anthem, reminding us that change is not abstract; it’s human, lived, and necessary. 

 “Mammoth Hunters – Season 1” works beautifully as an educational documentary. The AI reconstructions of Ice Age life are immersive, paired with strong narration and clear context that make both daily survival and archaeological discoveries engaging to watch.

What stands out is the professionalism of the execution: pacing, visuals, and design all feel polished, with just enough innovation in the AI-driven approach to give history a fresh perspective. Informative, accessible, and well crafted.*

This short takes the most ordinary suburban ritual - a dad dragged out to walk the dog - and spins it into a surreal, decades-spanning odyssey. What begins with a coffee-deprived sigh becomes a whirlwind of side stories, shifting scenes, and strange detours that somehow circle back to the same mundane act: picking up after the dog.

The humor is sharp, leaning on the absurdity of treating the banal with epic seriousness. Dialogue remains grounded in the everyday, even as the visuals escalate into wild tangents. This contrast keeps the comedy fresh and consistent, preventing the film from tipping too far into chaos.

Visually, the style is modern, clear, and consistent, supporting the shifting tone without losing coherence. At times the spectacle risks going over the top, but the structure always finds its way back, creating a satisfying loop.

"The Walk" succeeds in transforming the routine into the ridiculous.... a clever, funny, epic short.

"The Last Dream" situates itself amid the ruins of war, following a young girl clinging to fragments of her lost family. The film balances between harsh reality and fragile hope, pulling the viewer in immediately.

Made by a very young, self-taught filmmaker, the short shows ambition and craft.