Short Film Showcase "To the Sky (Sora) from a Boring World - Mystery of Stars and Nature" to Commemorate Tanabata in July, Now Available on Online Short Film Theater BSSTO

In conjunction with the Tanabata season in July, we are holding a special feature screening of four exquisite short films that have captivated film festivals worldwide. These films capture the spirit of the traditional "Tanabata" (Star Festival) through a modern, multifaceted approach, presenting a fresh yet profound visual world. Characters living in an information-overloaded and somewhat arid "boring world" look up to the "sky (sora)" in their own ways, unleashing their impulses and wishes, depicted with overwhelming visual beauty. URL: https://sst-online.jp/magazine/19533/

The greatest appeal of this special feature is how, fitting for the Tanabata month, the characters' "wishes" are portrayed with diverse gradations. The lineup includes the breathtakingly mysterious Belgian film "Upper," which depicts boys driven by inexplicable impulses aiming for beyond the sky. "RELAY," a Swiss film, portrays the spiritual awakening of a boy who steps beyond darkness from a daily life dominated by smartphone screens. And the masterpiece of science fiction, a co-production of the Philippines, America, and Singapore, "Vox Humana," which delves into the depths of the forest concerning a man discovered immediately after a natural disaster, presenting weighty and suspenseful works that depict the awe of nature and encounters with the unknown.

Furthermore, the American fantasy film "11:11," which vividly portrays the "earnest wish of unrequited love" that anyone has experienced, is also featured. It tells the story of 16-year-old Pakistani-American girl Nori, whose wish shakes her identity in an unexpected way. Cate Blanchett served as a producer.

On the other hand, there are also pure and heartwarming innocent adventures of boys and girls, such as the Canadian short film "Fearless Gopher," where they carry out a secret plan to take their beloved girl out of their boring daily lives. From earnest self-exploration to comical romantic feelings, the rich contrast between the works keeps the audience engaged.

The films unfold across vast landscapes under starry skies, majestic nature that can sometimes be a threat to humans, and the somewhat nostalgic atmosphere of summer nights. These are works that stimulate the senses, perfect for "watching with a loved one under lantern light while camping on a summer night." The raw human desires hidden in the mystery of stars and nature. This July, through the screen, awaken your own "impulse to reach for somewhere else." *Each film will be available for three months. Free to watch after user registration.

"To the Sky (Sora) from a Boring World - Mystery of Stars and Nature" Lineup

A Magical Night for Our Boring, Thirsty Selves

"Upper" - Streaming starts July 1

Director: Lennert Madou / Belgium / Drama / 2024 / 15:25 Two friends play in the wilderness while waiting for an asteroid. An impulse to keep aiming "higher" for no reason. What lies beyond looking up at the sky?

A Secret Plan for Two

"Fearless Gopher" - Streaming starts July 8

Director: Miguel Lambert / Canada / Drama / 2020 / 05:00 A Boy Scout was on a mission: to take his friend Julie away from her home.

Erase the World. Embrace Me.

"RELAY" - Streaming starts July 15 Director: Thilo Gundelach / Switzerland / Drama / 2025 / 15:06 Blackfeet Reservation, Montana. A 10-year-old boy watches his family engrossed in their respective screens. One night, the lights suddenly go out. What he glimpsed in the darkness was "something" that had been lost. The boy makes a small decision that might change everything.

Was it Human or Disaster Lurking in the Forest?

"Vox Humana" - Streaming starts July 22

Director: Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan / Philippines, America, Singapore / Science Fiction / 2024 / 22:11

Immediately after an earthquake, the police discover a man in the forest. This man might be the cause of all the natural disasters that have struck the small mountain town. Zoologists, sound engineers, and reporters close in on the truth.

Cate Blanchett Produces "I Want to Be Her" - A Love Spell

"11:11" - Streaming starts July 29

Director: Mahnoor Euceph / America / Comedy / 2025 / 15:27 "16-year-old Pakistani-American girl Nori wishes to become her crush's ideal type at 11:11. However, her wish is granted in an unexpected way, and she transforms into a white girl. Before completely losing herself, Nori must undo her wish and return to her original form.

"Brillia ShortShorts Theater Online" An online theater that streams selected short films from the international film festival "Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia" every Wednesday. It was launched in February 2018, inheriting the brand of the short film specialty theater "Brillia ShortShorts Theater," which operated in Minato Mirai, Yokohama from February 2008 to December 2017. With simple member registration, you can watch about 12 films for free at any time. Although the viewing time is short, it is an online theater that delivers wonderful films to your daily lives, teaching us about human kindness, strength, and hints for a rich life. We also publish articles that provide hints for incorporating films into your life. https://sst-online.jp/