Horst in Translation ([email protected]) "Shok" is a 22-minute live action short film from 2015 written and directed by British filmmaker Jamie Donoughue. However, looking at where this film plays, there is no English language in here, so you will most likely need subtitles. It is the story of two friends living in the Kosovo during wartime. This war is already over for quite a while, but this movie shows that with the right approach and script, it's still very much possible to make (engaging) (short) films about this dark subject. The complicated political and military situations puts the boys' friendship to risk on several occasions, but all that unites them is stronger eventually and goes way beyond the love for bikes when it comes to what they have in common. I think the acting here is solid overall, the fatter kid gives the best performance in the film. It sure is a depressing watch as well, but I guess it still depicts life in Kosovo realistically and death was a crucial component to living in this "country" at that point in time later in the 20th century. All in all, probably not an Oscar-deserving short film, but I don't mind the nomination. In terms of the quality, it is on a similar level like the winner "Stutterer", even if the subjects couldn't be more different. Worth checking out.

JacobOB A truly touching tale that really helps one to better understand the privileges many of us have. Freedom from oppression, freedom from hate, and relative acceptance of religion and nationality is something truly to be treasured as "Shok" shows us through it's heart warming and heart breaking tale of friendship. The cinematography was near flawless and every moment of the film was filled with tension. The boys friendship is something that almost all can relate to and their connection in such a bleak world is such a wonderful thing to see. Living in a country in which I can say anything I please short of threatening the safety of the public and go unharmed tends to blind us to the issues that many others suffer through every day due to something that is out of their control. I would highly recommend that everyone of every walk of life watch this transformative film.

Brandon Schlepp A film that has amazing scope for its short duration and modest budget. On the one hand, it's a wonderful tale of friendship, forgiveness, and finding hope in darkness; juxtapositioned with a story of racism, cruelty, and ultimately tragedy. I always find it incredible when films can intertwine normal human interaction (such as fighting and making up with a childhood friend) into extreme circumstances like wartime. It reminds us that no matter the time or place, we all still have the same fears, loves, relationships, and feelings. The film pulled off this authenticity because of the stellar acting by the two young main characters.When the character we see at the beginning returns at the end, you look at him with a new perspective. This time his eyes cut right into you and you feel the cost of war. Rest in peace to all of the innocents whose lives were taken in the Kosovo War, and hopefully this film can impact future dialogue and the pursuit of other films on the topic. If I had been running the show at the Academy this year, "Shok" would have certainly walked away with the Best Short Film prize.

Carl Currie www.moviemakeouts.com I was able to see this film locally thanks to the Manhattan Short Film Festival. Simply put, this is an excellent, if not tragic tale. It was directed wonderfully and gives a glimpse into a conflict few American reflect on. The small part of the Kosovo conflict as seen thru eyes of children is very well crafted. The child actors give strong performances. The only criticism I could give the film is that for someone unfamiliar with The Kosovo Conflict (as I was) may be at a loss as to which faction is which. As it is not a war movie, but a slice of life of one family, and a particular family friend, the officials on various levels, are not easy to identify. While it's difficult beyond this to expound upon the plot of a short film, I suggest you take the time to see it.