Sci-fi has become a mainstay of the San Jose International Short Film Festival, and it’s easy to see why. In 20 minutes or less, a great sci-fi short can build a whole new world, ask a big question and leave you thinking about it for days. Here are four favorites from recent festivals that you can watch right now.
Apotheosis
Directed by Max Pearce · SJSFF 2022
In a near future where the first generation of genetically engineered humans has come of age, Selene, a young aerospace engineer born the old-fashioned way, dreams of going to space. When her mother loses her job, Selene decides to compete against the engineered elite for a spot on the first habitable space colony, even if that means going up against her friend Fabrizio. Big ideas, big visuals and a lot of heart.
Stills from Apotheosis.
Coming Out With the Help of a Time Machine
Directed by Naman Gupta · SJSFF 2022
Sid has finally worked up the courage to come out to his traditional parents, and he has a secret weapon: a time machine. Every time the conversation goes sideways, he resets the day and tries again, determined to get it just right. Starring Karan Soni, this sweet, funny spin on the time-loop story proves sci-fi can have a very big heart.
Stills from Coming Out With the Help of a Time Machine.
Rachels Don’t Run
Directed by Joanny Causse · SJSFF 2022
Leah works the late shift at an A.I. companionship service, where lonely customers chat with artificial “dream girls.” When she starts impersonating one of them to talk with a caller she’s developed feelings for, the line between real and artificial gets very blurry. It’s a smart, tender and very timely film about loneliness and connection.
Stills from Rachels Don’t Run.
Censor of Dreams
Directed by Léo Berne and Raphaël Rodriguez · SJSFF 2022
Night after night, the Censor and his team shape a woman’s memories into fantastical dreams, until one night nothing goes as planned. Based on a story by Japanese author Yasutaka Tsutsui and winner of the Grand Prix at the Warsaw Film Festival, this inventive, surreal short is part workplace comedy, part mind-bender. Watch the trailer below.
Stills from Censor of Dreams.
More Sci-Fi Coming in October
Want to see the next great sci-fi short on the big screen? Our The World Beyond program returns at the 16th annual San Jose International Short Film Festival, October 24–27, 2024, at CineArts at Santana Row. Until then, browse past lineups and winners on our Awards page, or check out six animated shorts and five documentaries from past festivals.
