The Blood In The Snow Canadian Film Fest (BITS) is a showcase of contemporary Canadian horror, genre, and underground cinema. Now in its fourth year, BITS promises to bring some of Canada’s best. Here we share our thoughts on the films featured in BITS Short Film Showcase.
Deathbox
Director: Michael Pereira
A captive vampire confined in a box. Why is he locked inside, and who is his captor? A captive vampire without the power to escape his captor. A captor who is relentless about keeping his victim locked up. The plot is not all too clear as we witness the vampire being tortured by a man with a “shit list”. Film has some darkly humorous moments. In terms of cinematography, there are some good use of filters and lighting.
Rating 2 / 5
Kurayami no Wa
Director: Morgana McKenzie
The film was written and directed by 15 year-old Morgana McKenzie. A tale of Hallowe’en gone wrong… a group of young siblings try to survive the harsh winter conditions after their Halloween evening turns into what appears to be a zombie apocalypse. Although not a cohesive plot, the production value of the film is what saves it. McKenzie will be a filmmaker to keep an eye out for.
Rating 2 / 5
Return
Director: Jon Hyatt
A young are moving into their new home to finally begin a new chapter together. Their eldery next-door neighbours, however, have bigger plans for them. Although the film’s pacing takes a bit of time, it is part of the film’s build up. A somewhat predictable turn of events, however, the ending actually works. A short film that will satisfy genre audiences.
Rating 2.5 / 5
Marty
Director: Gregory Fox
Marty is a door to door travelling salesman. He is a charming young man who does exceptionally well with elderly couples. What his elderly customers do not know is Marty has a very sadistic, sinister side. A solidly thought out plot with a memorable lead character. This film will make you think twice about answering a knock at your door.
Rating 3 / 5
Aestas
Director: Guillaume Comtois
A man saves a drowning girl on his way home from a work meeting. Moments later the girl disappears. His girlfriend tries to cheer him up, but she disappears suddenly then the young girl he saved reappears. Like an episode form The Twilight Zone, it is difficult to figure out what is real and what is not. The man loses grip with reality when is unable to figure out who this young girl is and why his girlfriend is ‘missing’. An interesting premise in this film although the ending may leave you with more questions than answers.
Rating 3 / 5
Seirēn
Director: Kat Threlkeld
While at a photoshoot on the beach, a model gets bitten by a mysterious creature. Within days she is craving salt water and extremely hungry for… flesh and blood. A new take on the mermaid myth, with a hint of werewolf added for good measure. No one is safe from the seirēn’s alluring song. Another interesting short in this series, with some classic horror camera angles, and good cinematography.
Rating 3 / 5
The BITS Short Film Showcase screens at the Carlton Cinema on Saturday, November 28th, 7pm. For more information BITS, full film listings, schedule and box office information, visit bloodinthesnow.ca.
