[SAMANSA] Announcing the First Week of April's New Short Film Lineup! From a suspenseful family threatened by a hidden wiretap to a 97th Academy Award-winning sci-fi comedy, 3 films to be released!

SAMANSA Corporation (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Yuichi Iwanaga) is pleased to announce that its short film streaming service 'SAMANSA' will release 3 new films: 'Dead End', 'Shadow', and 'I Am Human' on Friday, April 3, 2026.

From a suspense film about a family threatened by a hidden wiretap to a sci-fi comedy that won the 97th Academy Award, please enjoy a wide range of genres again this week.

◆ New Release Introductions

① 'Dead End' [A couple finds "something" in their peaceful home] Synopsis: A couple lives peacefully with their young son in a suburban cul-de-sac. However, one day, their expressions change drastically after finding "a foreign object" inside their beloved teddy bear. The two converse unnaturally in multiple languages—is someone watching them...? Director: Damon Russell Running time: 14 minutes 33 seconds

② 'Shadow' [What saves a father who closed his heart is a small light called Shadow] Synopsis: On a farm run by a family of three, there is a daughter called "Shadow" who is always following her father's back. However, after the sudden death of her mother, her father sinks into deep sorrow. Amidst their wavering daily life, Shadow steps onto the farm before dawn with a quiet determination in her heart. Director: Janna Kemperman Running time: 14 minutes 53 seconds

③ 'I Am Human' [Failing the "I'm not a robot" CAPTCHA] Synopsis: An online authentication test that keeps rejecting her no matter how many times she tries. To a frustrated Lara, a support representative casually says, "Could it be that you are a robot?" This single remark plants an unshakable doubt within her. Winner of the 97th Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. Director: Victoria Warmerdam Running time: 22 minutes 23 seconds

《Comment from the Staff》 This week's recommendation is 'Shadow'. A father sinks into deep sorrow after losing his mother. His daughter follows his back like a "shadow" and silently takes care of the cows with her small hands. Watching her desperately trying to hold her family together makes your heart ache, wanting to shout, "Dad, please notice her!!!"

The director says she wanted to depict "the moment a child's small courage melts an adult's frozen heart" amidst visual beauty stripped of words. After watching, it leaves a heartbreaking yet warm lingering feeling that makes you want to tell the brave daughter, "Don't rush to grow up just yet."

A story under 15 minutes. This weekend, please spend a peaceful time at SAMANSA while thinking of your loved ones.

◆ What is SAMANSA? SAMANSA is a streaming service specializing in short films. For a monthly fee of 490 JPY, we provide carefully selected works from around the world, currently streaming over 500 short films (as of October 2025). With running times of 30 minutes or less, it enables movie experiences tailored to various life scenes, such as commuting or everyday spare moments.

Furthermore, by signing direct licensing agreements with creators worldwide, we deliver diverse works that cannot be seen on other domestic VODs. We aim to create a new culture where movies can be enjoyed more freely and intimately.

Name: Short film streaming service 'SAMANSA' Browser version app site: https://samansa.com/ iOS version (App Store): https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/samansa/id1600425602 Android version (Google Play): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samansa