Believe the Hype: Ten of the Most Buzzed-About Films from Two of Southern California's Largest Shortfests

”Incomplete” (Dir. Yann Demange, U.K., 2006, 18 min.)
Website: http://www.beam.tv/beamreels/beamreel.php?QvQwtxWZXF

Remember the early ‘90s novelty song “Detachable Penis”? “Incomplete” is a terrifically funny British variation on that theme. Shot on Super 16, this comedy begins with the hero waking up to discover an essential part of his anatomy has gone missing. No one seems to appreciate the gravity of his situation - except his girlfriend’s corresponding private part, which begins talking. “Incomplete” will next screen at the Mecal International Short Film Festival in Barcelona, Spain.

”Man vs. Woman” (Dir. Juan Carlos Vargas, USA, 2006, 13 min.)
Website: http://www.jcvsfilms.com/

It was easy to spot director Juan Carlos Vargas at Palm Springs - he was the one wearing the shirt featuring the four leads of his film: a Mad Max-like hero, a “Tomb Raider”-ish heroine, a “Jurassic Park”-quality velociraptor, and a killer robot.  Vargas’s fight-to-the-death combat story was a “Programmers’ Pick” at Palm Springs.  Sci-Fi fans can next catch the flick at the International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival in Phoenix, Arizona. 

”Moosecock” (Dir. Will Hartman, USA, 2005, 7 min.)
Website: http://moosecockmovie.com/

The first minute of “Moosecock,” in which two guys sitting in a diner play “guess what word I’m thinking of,” is worth the price of admission. If you’re planning to attend the upcoming screening at the Hawaii International Film Festival or at the Starz Denver International Film Festival, don’t arrive late.

”The Shovel” (Dir. Nick Childs, USA, 2006, 15 min.)
Website: http://www.theshovelmovie.com/

Give it up for David Strathairn, who anchored last year’s acclaimed feature “Good Night, and Good Luck” but also took the time to star in an equally impressive short film, “The Shovel.”  Nick Childs’ small-town murder mystery, which questions what it means to be a good neighbor, will be playing at a slew of festivals in such cities as Chicago, Mill Valley, Woodstock, Ojai, Milwaukee, Ft. Lauderdale, Denver, and Annapolis. 

”Smitten” (Dir. Nancy Kelly, USA, 2005, 27 min.)
Website: http://www.pbs.org/smitten/index.html

Nancy Kelly’s extremely charming documentary shines the spotlight on a totally unique art collector, an eccentric 85-year-old retired businessman who buys contemporary art not as investment but as a source of pure pleasure. PBS viewers, you can catch the doc on the small screen at 10:30 PM on September 20th and again on October 11th (check local listings at www.pbs.org/smitten).

”Super Powers” (Dirs. John Mitchell and Jeremy Kipp Walker, USA, 2005, 6 min.)

Gotta love a six-minute short about a frumpy couple trying to spice up their sex life by dressing up like superheroes. When they get locked out of their apartment while still in costume, mayhem ensues.  If you’re going to the Hamptons International Film Festival or the Austin Film Festival, wear your own Wonder Woman or Batman outfit to show you’re a true “Super Powers” fan.

”Zombie Prom” (Dir. Vince Marcello, USA, 2006, 36 min.)
Website: http://www.zombiepromthemovie.com/

Imagine if “Grease” were only half an hour long - and included a zombie as the lead and RuPaul as the villain. This full-out comic horror musical, which was mentored by Wes Craven, won an audience award at Palm Springs. Surprisingly, its next playdate is at a kiddie fest: the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival. Go kids!   

[Kim Adelman is the author of “The Ultimate Filmmaker’s Guide to Short Films.”]