A new addition to The University Times this year, Four Films and a TV, is a very special column giving out very special recommendations. Every month, the editor will be making a list of underappreciated but unparalleled films (four) and (TV) series (one) united by a topical theme, plot device or personality. The intentions of this no-nonsense column range from the dissemination of lesser known films and the promotion of non-Anglophone media to the betterment of film and TV-related choices. With Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) already in full swing, this edition spotlights the festival’s highly underrated short-film programme.
Four Films
Anatomy of an Irish Disco
Lucille Carolan’s short is an observational documentary that follows three fifteen year old girls as they prepare for one of the great coming-of-age rituals in Irish girlhood: their local farmyard teen disco. The film is quiet, affectionate and full of heart. It will be shown as part of “The Kids Are Alright” strand on February 25th.
Like Other People
Leo Dzhyshyashvili and Luisa Nöllke’s short follows friends-with-benefits Nina and Danil on a nocturnal quest for an open pharmacy after a condom accidentally breaks. This German film is funny and tender, and its two protagonists are some of the best written romcom characters: think Before Sunrise with a pinch of realism. The short will be shown as part of the “How You See Me” strand on February 26th.
Tuna Tartare
Lena Greene’s animated short is set in a karaoke bar in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, where an expired can of tuna and a fake Louis Vuitton purse work on their self-esteem. Marked by bright colours and an attractive drawing style, this film is as entertaining as it gets. It will be shown as part of the “Isn’t It Fantastic?” strand on February 27th.
Praying Mantis
Joe Hsieh’s short is about a mutant praying mantis seducing and preying on men to keep her child alive. The animation style of this creepy Taiwanese film is absolutely gorgeous and the story will keep you hooked. It will be shown as part of the “Isn’t It Fantastic?” strand on February 27th.
And a TV
One Day Off (2023)
Recommending a TV series in a column about short films was difficult but this Korean drama is a perfect fit. Written by Son Mi and directed by Lee Jong-pil, the eight-episode drama is set in the 1990s and centred around Park Ha-Kyung (Lee Na-Young), a high school teacher of Korean literature who takes day-trips every Saturday. She wanders, eats and meets all kinds of people. Each episode covers a different trip and is like a 20-minute short film. The miniseries is as cosy as a warm hug on a frosty day. Available on Prime Video.
