Short films are prominent all over the world. One of the many joys of cinema is that it’s accessible to global audiences, with people everywhere embracing major projects, excellent daily picks, and even lesser-known productions. Short films will always have a place in the cinema sphere, particularly given the wave of talented filmmakers out there. China is home to some of them, with Chinese short films gaining plenty of traction in recent times.
On the whole, various forms of media from China and some that are dedicated to it have always captivated audiences. For example, people play smash-hit games like Fantasy Westward Journey and the best Chinese slots, such as Laughing Buddha, while there has always been an appetite for movies like Hero and Enter the Dragon. Luckily, for short film lovers, there are also some fascinating productions that are receiving rave reviews.
So, with a number of standout short films emerging from China, below are just some top titles you can watch today.
Lǎo Lao Lǎo Le
A powerful production many people describe as a tear-jerker, Lǎo Lao Lǎo Le follows the story of a young boy who is forced to face his grandmother’s deteriorating health head-on. Feeling isolated and with nobody to turn to, he has to deal with her deterioration in this hard-hitting and well-made short film.
The Intersecting Lines
If you’re partial to the odd love story, then you’ll enjoy this heartwarming release. Blind dates aren’t always easy, and The Intersecting Lines highlights that in the best way possible. In the film, a man meets a woman on a blind date, and what follows is unmissable.
Doggy Style
Don’t let the title of this next recommendation fool you, as Doggy Style isn’t something you’d find in a sex shop somewhere. Instead, this heart-wrenching title features a stolen dog, a distraught owner, and a painful search all over town. A short film that will potentially leave a few tears in your eyes, Doggy Style is worth checking out, particularly if you’ve got a canine chum of your own.
Butterflied Lover
After a husband and his wife decide to spend New Year’s Eve together, an unlikely series of events unfolds in Butterflied Lover. The “soul transformation” leads to terrifying riots and some truly interesting stories as the pair aim to survive among the chaos.
The Return of the Wish
Lasting just under 15 minutes, there is plenty to admire about The Return of the Wish. The story revolves around a grandson who clearly adores his grandfather. In fact, he worships him so much that he’s willing to sell off one of his most prized possessions in order to fund his grandfather’s trip to Beijing. As he aims to find a buyer for the traditional garments that are used for ritual performances, an enthralling story unfolds.
Ayi
A charming option fans of this particular genre rate highly, Ayi follows the story of a lucky housekeeper who has a large house all to herself. After the family with whom she works ventures to Disneyland for the holiday of a lifetime, Ayi is alone in the house and has access to some of the family’s most stunning items. She cleans, relaxes in a comfortable chair, and takes viewers on a journey they probably won’t expect.
Campus Pandemic Warriors
A short film that resonates with many people in today’s world, Campus Pandemic Warriors is a documentary that follows a group of dedicated young people who are on a mission to succeed in their work and change the planet in the process. Serving up thought-provoking content, Campus Pandemic Warriors is a fascinating production to watch.