THE November 16 2025 FILM FESTIVAL

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What is it like to become a ghost assassin?

"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. 

How can we best consume our ocean pollution?

“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.

What sacrifice do we make for life, and is it worth it?

This short hits deep... a powerful metaphor wrapped in speculative fiction, made even more resonant knowing its regional and emotional context. The concept of a child dependent on human tears is poetic, disturbing, and hauntingly timely. 

The visual world is consistent, carefully styled, and tonally sharp. Every element (the pacing, the dialogue, the editing) serves the central idea without excess. There’s an elegance in how the metaphor unfolds, and an emotional weight that sticks long after the final frame. This is the kind of film that doesn’t shout, it presses gently on your soul.

A strong piece. Well-crafted, well-aimed, and painfully human.*

How far will the rich go to satisfy their cravings?

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. *

What do martian humanoids of the future have to say?

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.*

What can we learn about creativity, consciousness, and the fragility of human emotion from bipolar disorder?

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 is the rite of puberty like?

This short is a striking debut that takes a deeply personal subject (menstruation, silence, and shame in a conservative household) and turns it into a symbolic, emotionally charged short.

Even without full access to the dialogue, the emotional core comes through clearly. The narrative leans into metaphor, using the stain itself as both literal and symbolic mark. The choice to render the film entirely through AI adds another layer: technology channeling an intimate, human truth. That contradiction works in the film’s favor, showing that emotional authenticity can still emerge from machine-generated images.

"The Stain" is not just a film but a statement, a rebellion against imposed silence, and an invitation for broader conversation. Imperfect, but urgent and resonant.

What can a dad dragged out to walk the dog teach us about life?

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.

How and why does a girlfriend disrupt the routine life of a space explorer?

"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. *

What can we learn from our ancient ancestors?

“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.*