“Radical Spirits” Fantasia Fest 2021 Short Film Collection

Written by Daniel Hess. Radical Spirits is a 2021 blended feature film consisting of six short films from around the world. For this review, it would be best to break each section of the feature into its own individual short film vignette overviews.

A Sip of Water – directed by Cho Hyun-a

Gorgeous animation begins this entire Radical Spirits film collection with a look at what it means to be a Korean shaman. It is an interesting first-person look at both the good and bad of what it means to be connected to the world spiritually. Each frame embodies traditional Korean artwork and unfolds in a beautifully majestic way.

Radical Spirits Horror Short Film Collection

At Last, The Sea – directed by Ana Karen Alva Medina

A story of human perseverance against all odds, What is the darkest short of the bunch, this short film encompasses what it means to find strength from your ancestors, and while physical freedom is not achieved, the mental strength past that can be the first step to finding true hope.

Lifeblood – directed by Nicholas Tory

Another piece of amazing animation exploring the connection we have with the natural world around us. This short is a bit heavy-handed at times with that messaging, but there is never harm in reminding one to try to live a less destructive life for the environment.

Mergen – directed by Raiymbek Alzhanov

Another deep look at what it means to have your destiny determined by lineage. This is the longest short film and brings to mind the filming style of The Revenant while creating a unique visual style. The story proper is a bit mixed and muddled but maintains a true historical style that is feature film caliber work.

Snake Trail – Shicong Zhu

A deep look at the issues of a world gripped by bureaucratic rule. This short from China explores the rift between the new and old systems in a nuanced way. Providing snippets from what it means to want to believe in the spiritual while also being challenged to give it all up for a more grounded outlook.

Good For You – Kim Ilhyun

A visual feast from start to finish. The perfect way to cap off this collection is in a treat of amazing animation. We are shown nothing but a shaman’s dance as a callback to the first film but with much more emphasis on the experience of it all. Amazing from start to finish.

Overall Radical Spirits very strong collection to experience. In addition, all these short films take a look at less-seen aspects of their cultures. Not everything is perfect but more times than not we are given amazing and thoughtful short films. It is a shame to watch some of these and not understand all of the contexts which are being explored but this is more of a personal problem that is being outlined by this writer.

Radical Spirits easily get 3.5 stars out of 5

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