Sci-fi short films do not get the credit they deserve. There are many brilliant, brief movies that can tell a story, make you engage with a character and transport you to a different world in under 20 minutes.

Sci-fi London has been celebrating short films at their film festival, with eight show cases of the best sci-fi shorts form around the world. I popped down to one screening to see what was on offer.

Gear

Gear is a short thriller about robotics set in the future. The world of Gear is beautifully detailed and the plot drops you straight into an already moving story without clunky exposition. There are some great performances and cool effects.

Happy Fun Room

This part comedy, part drama is set in a totalitarian future where a TV show, called Happy Fun Room, explains to children how to be safe in a police state. Sam is the host and is trying desperately to keep the show on the air despite its waning popularity. This short manages to be both funny and moving.

I Remember The Future

A sci-fi writer is in his final days and looking back on his family and creations. His story is intercut with scenes from his novels, which we are dropped into but it never comes across as confusing. This film has warmth and stunning variety of familiar sci-fi concepts.

Captcha

Captcha is a stylish film set in sci-fi version of the 1950s. Amy Beth Hayes stars as a fem-fatal who has implanted a chip in her husband, Arthur Darvill. When the chip’s owners kidnap him to retrieve it, she needs to decide which side she is on. Capcha has some great action scenes and is beautiful to look at, with a great simple love story at its core.

Shaman

This lavish part sci-fi, part fantasy film is set in a future where endless war rages. There is also Shaman, who can move between our world and the sprit world and use their powers neutralize enemies. The film has explosive action and jaw dropping special effects to rival a big budget Hollywood film. The central premise is very clever and the film ably transports the viewer to its world.

Those are some sci-fi short movies I have seen recently and enjoyed. What other shorts should I be watching? Let me know below