{Sling}
2019 · 10m · USA
Directed by M.Fig
Genres: comedy, experimental, fantasy
Tones: absurdist, humorous, whimsical
NYC skate rats come across a magical slingshot and use it to warp reality. A playful variation on a skate video, elevated by low-key but convincing special effects and natural performances from its two leads.
Picked by Felix
The scouts
Magical-realism skate video. Two words that should never sit together that absolutely do here. The genre crime alone justifies a slot.
Practical reality-warping VFX smuggled into a skate-video format is a delicious formal move — magical realism through griptape rather than auteur posturing. M.Fig found a way to honor Crystal Moselle's hangout-magic while doing something stranger.
Practical reality-warping VFX smuggled into a skate-video format is a sweet idea — magical realism via griptape, not auteur posturing. M.Fig's lo-fi-effects energy and natural lead performances earn the conceit.