Michael Oghia I remember seeing a teaser about this film on io9 and getting excited for it. Sure enough, when I finally watched this short, it didn't disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would love to see the concept turned into a feature-length film. I was a bit confused when things seemed to change so much -- it reminded me a bit of Inception -- but after watching it again, I saw how it all tied together.The quality of the music and costume/prop design should be commended -- I really enjoyed the shorts they made about that process as well. I disagree with another commentator who criticized the acting, I thought it was poignant and well-done. Definitely commend the team for their hard work and hope to see more of this!

Joshua Raynor I recently came across an amazing Sci-Fi short film by the director of Ainoa, Marco Kalantari, call The Shaman. This short film is described by the filmmakers as "mind- bending", and they were right. The film has a very intriguing premise, amazing production value, and breath-taking visuals that rival even some big-budget Hollywood films. The short premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2015. From there it was screened at several film festivals around the world. The full film is now online for you to watch, and it's one that you don't want to miss. The dark year 2204, in a world that has seen 73 years of continuous war. Recently mankind re-discovered the arts of Shamanism. The Shaman's school of thought believes that every person or object has a soul. During battle Shamans step over into the Netherworld to find and convert the souls of their enemies' giant battle machines. This tactic enables a single man to overcome an invincibly seeming steel monster. This is the story of Joshua, a Shaman, who is sent on a mission to convert the soul of a giant battle colossus. He does not yet know that the soul is prepared for his coming and that the deadly psychological soul-to-soul confrontation in the Netherworld will be on eye level. This is the type of film that would work beautifully as a feature-length film. It would allow for a deeper understanding of the characters and the situation the currently find themselves in. On top of the stunning visuals and premise, the thing that intrigued me the most were the philosophical ideas of the film, particularly the idea of all objects, including machines having a soul, and Shamans being able to interact with them.

epbryant As a long-time reader of Science Fiction, I have long been interested in the mythological "hero". The Shaman presents a hero that is deeply disturbed, but must perform for the good of the people. The movie is intriguing, cinematic, and very moving. I was fascinated by the use of the mystical combined with technology, and wish to know more about the background of this situation - what happened to cause the war? Who are the Shamans (there are obviously more of them)? What is the connection between music and magic, particularly regarding Lene and the Shaman? How did machines get souls? What do the facial markings mean? Who was the man in white? This movie prompts all sorts of imaginative contemplation, which I certainly enjoyed. The acting is true to the roles. Lene most definitely demonstrated care, concern, love, and support to the Shaman. The Shaman was portrayed as a stunted personality due to his history and training. However, the human was still there - in the actor's eyes. The supporting actors exhibited the awe and responsibility to protect the Shaman and their dedication to the war.Marco Kalantari's dark, chaotic setting and the overall tone of the movie were amazing. I truly hope to see more of this world in the future, but if there are no further explanations, my mind will provide wondrous ones.

imfoxy2 The rest of the views seem to be written by Sci-Fi or computer graphic effect fans. I write this from a different perspective... one of a Shaman. ANY SHAMAN who watches this, can see and understand some of the underlying meanings. To the one(s) who state the acting was bad: Re the blonde who represented the spirit of the machine. She is playing the conscientiousness / mind of a machine... I thought it most appropriate that her statements were short.And to the person who criticized the main character... I would suggest they do a Google search, under images, and use the word shaman. You will find his make up was appropriate to Australian Aboriginal Shamans... and if you look at the pictures in your Google search, you will find must of us aren't Hollywood models.My only disappointment with this short was to find out it was a short, and not just a trailer for a full length movie.CROW DRUMMING DEER aka DOC