This post is also available in: Spanish

This post is not exactly about Casa de Campo, 
but rather about something we felt would be of 
interest to our loyal reader and fans. Yes or no, let us know!

By now, I’m sure everyone has watched their fair share of mindless video clips on YouTube, but did you know that there is more than just watching a dog on a skateboard?  In fact, in addition to all the family videos, pranks and generous amount of junk online, there are in fact a few gems on there.

One area that stands out particularly is the YouTube Screening Room (http://www.youtube.com/ytscreeningroom, which is essentially a corner of YouTube that shows of some great independent short films. While some are by unknown filmmakers or actors, you’ll be surprised at the sheer quantity of celebrities that you’ll encounter when you watch the films which range from 2 to 8 minutes – perfect for satisfying a bite-size hunger for a short quality film experience.

Some of the short films we can recommend are:

Our Time is Up:  http://www.youtube.com/ytscreeningroom?v=vso9iPIpeu8 

  •  Therapist Dr. Leonard Stern (Kevin Pollak) never had time for anyone — gardeners, other physicians, and least of all, his patients. When an ominous diagnosis from his doctor causes him to reexamine his own life, Dr. Stern adopts a new philosophy towards himself and everyone around him: brutal honesty. Featuring heartwarming performances from Pollak, Jorge Garcia and Jerry Minor, and wonderful comic direction by Rob Pearlstein, Our Time is Up was nominated for the 2006 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short.

Superheroes:  http://www.youtube.com/ytscreeningroom?v=Og3YLkw6pGo

  • In an attempt to spice up their marriage, a couple dresses up as a pair of superheroes. But when they’re accidentally forced out of their apartment, they find themselves capable of saving much more than their relationship. “Super Powers” won the Special Jury Prize for Best Narrative Short at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival.

Warlord: http://www.youtube.com/ytscreeningroom?v=XGxBizeiL3s

  • This darkly comic short tells the story of a young boy who, disgusted with his mother and the suburban status quo, flees for the woods to start a tribe of his own. Written and directed by David Garrett, “Warlord” won the Reel Shorts Award at the 2008 SXSW Film Festival. 

We hope you’ll enjoy the YouTube Screening Room and the various short films they offer, which I believe are updated weekly!  If you come across any that are particularly good, feel free to add a link in the comments section.

Enjoy!