The world of short films never really seems to get it’s due. Sure, one night a year, it gets to shine. The Oscars, of all events, has done well to them a good deal of attention. There’s an award for documentary, live-action and animated short subject, putting the subject in the limelight. Even if just for a few fleeting minutes. As a plus, many of those winners occasionally go on to helm feature films or full-length docs. More often than not though, the genre of film is largely, sadly relegated to the wings. Existing somewhat in semi-obscurity. Unless, of course, the subject of the short is rather wild or has a big name attached to said property. Both of which are elements that stand out in an interesting news story today, surrounding a film entitled Roborovski.
Deadline has the report that the Slumdog Millionaire star, Patel, is teaming with Tilda Cobham-Hervey (Hotel Mumbai) and Happy Feet co-writer John Collee to write the short. The first two will also serve as Roborovski‘s co-directors. The film is exciting and notable for three main reasons. Firstly, it’s being backed by Screen Australia. A start-up company that focuses on telling “uniquely Australian stories”. Secondly, not only with this be animated, but it will also be virtual reality based. A field, for anyone who hasn’t been paying attention, has seen a boom on the cinematic side of things. Specially in the past couple years. Lastly, there’s the story itself, which just so happens to center on a murderous hamster. If that didn’t grab your attention, you might want to read the full synopsis for Roborovski:
It follows the eponymous thimble sized hamster, who spends his days in Marvin’s Pet Shop, hoping to find a family. However, when he is constantly overlooked by the people and animals around him his seething resentment and intense jealousy soon takes hold and a murderous side of little Roborovski is released.
As with all things VR related, it’s hard to tell what the distribution platform for something like this is. With the talent involved here, there’s a good chance it at least finds a life on the festival circuit. Genre standouts like Fantasia and Fantasic Fest have given a platform for various VR shorts in the past. SXSW, which starts up next week, has also invested in giving special recognition of the developing field. This year alone there are several large scale and experimental films, premiering in that format.
Should Roborovski prove successful, there’s a chance it could eventually be adapted into a feature. Though in doing so, would probably have to drop the more intriguing aspect of the short. Honestlu, who wouldn’t be curious to check out the exploits of a murderous tiny hamster? Since this one is only in the earliest stages of development, we’ll be sure to update once we know more. Rest assured, we are are very interested to see where things go from here.
