This years Sundance Film Festival had a number of really well done features but the thing that sets Sundance and Cannes apart is the quality of the shorts. Filmmakers seem to know that if you can get a good short into one of these festivals, they are locked in for a chance at the big-time. Top of the list this year (although it didn't win) was David Lowery's Pioneer. 

The setup felt to me like a darker version of Princess Bride, without the happy bits but equally well crafted. It is basically a father telling a violent story to his young son about his long gone mother. It had some "BIG FISH" moments to it but Lowery seemed to make it his own with his incredible timing and good editorial decisions. 

To be honest, I don't know which of the to main characters were done better; the father, played by Will Oldham or the 4 year old kid played by Myles Brooks. 

Truly a standout of this year's festivals. I can't wait to see what David Lowery does with his big break.

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The family genre features stories specifically created to be suitable for a wide range of age groups within a family. Family-oriented content is designed to be enjoyed by both children and adults, often providing entertainment that is wholesome, relatable, and appropriate for all members of a family to watch or experience together.

Drew Barrymore and Pat Welsh in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

The history genre features recounting and analyzing past events, societies, cultures, and historical figures. This genre aims to provide insights into the development of civilizations, the causes and consequences of historical events, and the impact of individuals and ideas on the course of history.

The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

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A father tells his little boy the most epic bedtime story ever.

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