Soft (Short Film) on Vimeo

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2. Soft (Short Film)

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Soft (2006)

Written and Directed by Simon Ellis (bubtowers.com)

facebook.com/SOFTshortfilm

When a father and son are independently terrorised by the same gang of youths, Dad is forced to deal with fears that he hasn't had to face since leaving school, rediscovering his fear of confrontation at the worst possible time.

International Jury Prize (Sundance Film Festival)
Best of the Fest (Palm Springs International Short Film Festival)
Best Short Film (British Independent Film Awards)
Prix UIP (Edinburgh International Film Festival)
Nomination: European Academy Awards / Best Short Film (Berlin)
Nomination: BAFTA / Best Short Film (London)
Disqualification: Academy Awards (No joke)
Best Live-action Short (Toronto Worldwide Film Festival / Canada)
Best Film (Interfilm International Short Film Festival / Berlin, Germany)
Best British Short (Encounters International Short Film Festival / Bristol, UK)
Audience Award (Hamburg International Short Film Festival / Germany)
Best Short Fiction (Message to Man Film Festival / St. Petersburg, Russia)
Best Short Film (International Festival Cinéma tout Ecran / Geneva, Switzerland)
Best Short Fiction (DaKino International Film Festival / Bucharest, Romania)
Best Drama (NYC Shorts / New York City, USA)
Best Direction (Capalbio Cinema International Short Film Festival / Italy)
Best Direction (Ourense International Film Festival / Spain)
Best International Short (Belo Horizonte International Short Film Festival / Brazil)
Best Screenplay (European Short Film Biennale / Ludwigsburg, Germany)
Best International Fiction (Concorto Film Festival / Italy)
Best International Film (Imago International Film Festival / Fundão, Portugal)
Best European Short Film (European Short Film Festival / Cambrils & Reus, Spain)
Best Fiction Short (Cortopotere Short Film Festival / Bergamo, Italy)
Audience Choice (DC Shorts Film Festival / Washington, USA)
Best Editing (Manhattan Short Film Festival / New York, USA)
Best Film (Colchester International Short Film Festival / UK)
Students Jury Award (Milano Film Festival)
Audience Award (Filmstock International Film Festival / Luton, UK)
Young Jury Award (Festival Tous Courts / Aix-en-Provence, France)
Teenage Jury Award (London Short Film Festival / UK)
Special Jury Prize (Flickerfest International Short Film Festival / Sydney, Australia)
Grand Prize (The Indie Shorts Competition / Fort Lauderdale FL, USA)
BAFTA/L.A (Cinequest Film Festival / California, USA)
Best Cinematography (Kodak Short Film Awards / London)
Special Mention (Hamburg International Short Film Festival / Germany)
Special Mention (Dokufest / Prizren, Kosovo)
Special Mention (Tofifest International Film Festival / Torun, Poland)
Special Mention (Regensburger Kurzfilmwoche / Germany)
Special Mention (Cleveland International Film Festival / USA)
Special Mention (In the Palace International Short Film Festival / Balchik, Bulgaria)

Featured on the DVD 'Cinema 16: World Short Films'

“When it was over I was lying on the sofa with a cushion on my face, whimpering in fear and paranoia. Ingenious and harrowing... left me reeling”
(Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian)

“A sucker-punch of a film that grabs the viewer's attention from the first frame and never lets go. Being topical and provocative are marks of a great short film but this is a movie you can't take your eyes off”
(Edinburgh International Film Festival, 2007)

“A frighteningly realistic take on violence that deftly blends emotional complexity with a keen understanding of the darker side of youth culture”
(Palm Springs International Short Film Festival, USA 2007)

“A powerful, dramatic short about a subject that all of us know in one form or another”
(Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival, Toronto 2007)

“A powerful piece of film summing up the UK zeitgeist of hoodies, happy-slapping and gang culture, while giving us a truthful character-driven drama of a son's disappointment with his Father”
(Hamburg International Short Film Festival, Germany 2007)

Credits

608 Likes

inuerta
1 day ago
Primož Križnar
2 days ago
Hannah Read
2 days ago
Jeff Dirdack
2 days ago
iswani Productions
2 days ago
lab35 FILMS
6 days ago
Krisztian Tuli
1 week ago
FMR
1 week ago
Slawek Leman
1 week ago
Marcelo Reis
1 week ago

Tags

Ray Wong 7 months ago

Intense film!
Simon Ellis 7 months ago

nice one ray, thanks. it's been a long time; good to see you're still at it.
Jordan Chesney 4 months ago

Amazing work. Great story, great performances, and what an ending. Very intense, loved every minute.
Simon Ellis 4 months ago

cheers jordan, very kind of you.
council child productions 4 months ago

Truly Wicked film!!!
Simon Ellis 4 months ago

thanks man.
Short of the Week 3 months ago

One of my all-time favorites.
+
vimeo.com/channels/shortoftheweek
shortoftheweek.com/2008/11/03/soft/
Hernan Canto 3 months ago

my respects...
lalamax3d 3 months ago

wow. so impressive.......
chaitanya krishnan 3 months ago

nice, powerful storytelling
Anthony Elliott 2 months ago

Powerful stuff. Excellent character interactions.
Oliver Stahl 2 months ago

Great film.
Simon Ellis 2 months ago

thanks to everyone! it's great that more people are getting to see it, long live vimeo...
Sam Morrill 2 months ago

Hopefully even more people will see it now!
Simon Ellis 2 months ago

great! if you were responsible for popping the film into staff picks Sam, you're a true gent, thanks.
Ben Brown 2 months ago

Brilliant picture, thanks. How has this not got more views?! Check out mine let me know what you think!
Ignace Ekkelkamp 2 months ago

Very impressive. Really feel the tension. I would love to see a sequel.
Lollipop and Laddu 2 months ago

Wonder how many dads got into a fight after watching this. This was great!
Kamil Papiez 2 months ago

Probably not too many ;-)
Potanin Stanislav 2 months ago

very very very

My blood was also boiling
Jabari Clarke-Pennegan 2 months ago

wow, thats a film
James Newman 2 months ago

My heart was pounding!
Tyler Brown 2 months ago

One of the best short films I have seen. How has this gone unnoticed on vimeo for so long?
Rob Munday 2 months ago

Brilliant! I remember seeing this at Filmstock and being blown away by how unsettling it was - still has the same effect after a 2nd viewing.
Simon Ellis 2 months ago

many many thanks to all y'all, you're too kind.
68Stones 2 months ago

Brilliant!
Kyu Lee 2 months ago

so impressive...
Navarro Aydemir 2 months ago

without a doubt, one of the best shorts I've ever seen.
ryanswall 2 months ago

As powerful as it is beautiful as it is brilliant.
Matthew Hyndman 2 months ago

This is an amazing short. When I first saw it I couldn't help cheer when the son beat the little thug up. Very well done. gripping.
VoteMov 2 months ago

Brilliant work!! post it on my site votemov.com if you don't mind
Aykut Alp Ersoy 2 months ago

Because of this cheesy thumbnail I was not gonna watch this one but now I'm totally amazed. Absorbing storytelling Simon. Inspired me..
farhaad_yousefi 2 months ago

awesome subject man.. !
Archie Fooks - Smith 2 months ago

Really brilliant
Andy S 2 months ago

Fantastic!!
jake banfield 2 months ago

Jesus! heart pounding and goosebumps. Poignant film!
Vixon Media 2 months ago

Couldn't repress my southern English instincts, and shouted "FUCK YEAH, BATTER 'IM!" Tense filmmaking skills, deserved of the awards.
Ferlon Webster Jr 2 months ago

I enjoyed this a lot! Great job!
Dariusz Dziala 2 months ago

intense and brilliant story! I was so stressed watching it!
Matt Landry 2 months ago

Perfect! The end was so satisfying.
Chris Capel 2 months ago

Saw this a few years back on youtube. Amazing acting and production values, but I still just completely disagree with the film's message.

You should make a sequel where the hoodies come back that same night with baseball bats and a gun and kill the kid and his dad for "disrespecting" them. That's what would happen.

The dad was right. You can't argue with idiots. It will only make things worse. But it seems like the film is saying that the kid was right for standing up to them. I just can't get on board with this idea.

Those hoodies aren't bullies. They're criminals. Vandalizing his car, assaulting him in broad daylight, completely unprovoked.

Again, this film is incredibly well produced and acted. They really nailed the feeling of reality and the whole thing was so intense. But the ending killed it for me.
Simon Ellis 2 months ago

why do you think "the film is saying the kid was right for standing up to them"? i'm afraid this is your conclusion, not the film's. the father and son are far from victorious at the end, and as you quite rightly say, the gang will be back. it isn't over and one shouldn't assume it is just because the film is.

additionally, the hoodies ARE, without a shadow of a doubt, bullies through and through.

most importantly, it's a film about father and son, about emasculation and pride. the gang are merely a catalyst.

but thanks for appreciating the execution, nontheless :)
Chris Capel 2 months ago

Everyone's gonna come away with their own take on most films. The son's disgust with his father, and his father's shame at the end are what made me feel like I should think the son did the right thing.

In fact, a lot of the comments on here seem to suggest others felt the same way. But I definitely agree that it's not definitive. The film definitely leaves off with a kind of "what now" feeling.

And yes, I agree the hoodies are bullies. But my point was that they're also much much more than that, which makes it all the more frustrating that the dad didn't just go grab the family video camera or flip open his phone and film the kid sitting on his car vandalizing it, then call the cops.

Just frustrating to watch, but I guess in a way that speaks to the success of the execution.
Simon Ellis 2 months ago

i just appreciate that you took the time to write your comments. this kind of discussion is what it's all about. calling the police is no option for the father, which is part and parcel of his male handicap in not wanting his son to think of him a some kind of coward. i deliberately omitted such a moment from the script and it has been a talking point ever since (though thankfully a minor one).

there is also the incredibly depressing reality that in instances like this the police don't do anything until it's too late, though perhaps it's different in the states.

in any case, thanks again.
Andrius Venclova 2 months ago

I agree with Chris that this film promoting nothing but violence.

The 'boiling blood" and "pounding heart" are not the evidence of good movie, I think. Rather oposite.
Chris Capel 2 months ago

Mmm, well I wasn't exactly saying that Andrius. I think the film is better than good. Just that the message I personally got from the ending, I didn't agree with.
Andrius Venclova 2 months ago

Sorry, Chris, I meant that I agree with you and moreover I think film provoke violence.

Therefore I am quite surprised to see it among Staff Picks.
Simon Ellis 2 months ago

Andrius, I am afraid this particular criticism (exacerbated somewhat by the reactions of others) and the way that you have chosen to express it, makes it clear that a counter from me would be quite futile. I am aware that English isn't your first language and that your comment may have otherwise appeared more constructive, but nontheless you have misunderstood the film in perhaps the biggest way possible. That is entirely your prerogative, of course. Thanks for posting.
Andrius Venclova 2 months ago

Dear Simon, I think that the scenes of violence cause viewers the same physical reactions as scenes of pornography. Pretty strong reaction, by the way. At first I thought that your film is about the victory over fear, but I have left with a bad aftertaste. Sorry if I offended you. I would be happy if you explain idea of the film.
Simon Ellis 2 months ago

thanks everybody, once again. i would love to reply to each comment individually but i'm not sure how many different ways i can say thanks without sounding like a disingenuous automaton!
made by jaskni 2 months ago

really awesome!
i love this film!
Brado Vic 2 months ago

Very unsetteling indeed.. Great job!
samira khoshbakht 2 months ago

yeeeeeee scott thats it!
Julian Schädler 2 months ago

Wow, Simon. Just wow. Films that build up this level of intensity and emotional depth in such a short time are a very rare thing. You did perfectly. Congratulations!

The film left me with very ambivalent feelings (on an emotional level only, to be clear). I was content to see the boy step up, content to see the gang members frightened and set to flight. At the same time, I felt for the father and - as Chris pointed out - thought for a long time about what Scott's standing up to that bunch might result in.
Simon Ellis 2 months ago

fantastic, that's exactly the intended feel. thanks for liking it.
Julian Schädler 2 months ago

Thank YOU, for sharing it. :)
David Uloth 2 months ago

DUDE, how ya doin? Just noticed you were on Vimeo! Coming to Canada soon? (I was trying to go to Sapporo this year but couldn't find the money...)

I'm glad I now get to watch Soft as often as I want.
Simon Ellis 2 months ago

Mate, i'm fine thanks! No canadian plans as yet but i'm working on it. Saw you were in sapporo again and feel less like i missed out knowing you and many others couldn't get there.
Adam Lyduch 2 months ago

Flip me! This got my heart beat racing. Saw 'Jam' at Encounters. Two completely different films and two great success'. Great work
amir bazrafshan 2 months ago

Brilliant. I hadn't seen this for a few years when I caught it at a local festival in Nottingham and I'm still yet to see a better short. Top stuff.
Kamil Papiez 2 months ago

I totally forgot about the whole world and I also my heart beat fast like crazy. Awesome job. It could be a great feature.
Simon Ellis 2 months ago

thanks kamil. it is/was/will be a feature. this was originally a feature-length story, then became a short, but i have plans ..
Kamil Papiez 2 months ago

It is really great movie. I don't know if any other people noticed that there is no music in background and you watch this with maximum of interest. I hope people like you are the future of the cinema.
Tristan Ofield 2 months ago

In fairness I've seen this at least 12 times before it was posted on here. Its just as powerful every time!
Kamil Papiez 2 months ago

Why the name "Soft" is the title?
gomeztovar 2 months ago

Amazing film. A masterpiece. Congratulations.
Adam M 2 months ago

My heart was pounding the entire film!

Pounding!

The way that the story unfolds is so realistic too.

I can't think of any other film that gave me such a rush. Way to hack into the viewers emotions!
Diaa Swahly 2 months ago

What a Movie , it reflect the situation here in Egypt too , as fathers can't face their fears but we (youth) in tahrir ! Thank you
ersan 2 months ago

Amazing
Teo Mathlein 2 months ago

Incredibly powerful. One of the best short film I've ever seen.
Simen Platou 2 months ago

this is incredibly powerful!
Yemi Bamiro 2 months ago

Wow! Incredible. Very well done.
The Film House 1 month ago

God that was nerve-wracking. Simon, thanks. A truly powerful piece of work.

But I'm with the Dad I'm afraid.

I certainly won't be calling my children 'wet-ends' for not confronting a bunch of murdering youths who are taunting us outside our home. A chap died a few years ago defending his home in front of his children, and it will happen again.
Simon Ellis 1 month ago

i'm with the dad too..
Alex Delderfield (AD-Edge) 1 month ago

Powerful stuff, well done
Sonney Patel 1 month ago

Was Harry brown an inspiration for you? Most gangs only want to smoke dope, but there is no doubt some are out there like the one in your film. I like how there was no calling the police (which you explained in previous comments
Simon Ellis 1 month ago

this was three years before harry brown ;)
Sonney Patel 1 month ago

Because most people don't trust the police to handle the problem. I would love to see a sequel. It's been a long time since my blood boiled so much so quickly.
dwyzak 1 month ago

Taking me heart a while to calm down after that, intense. First saw this at a short film course in Nottingham, had a beer with Simon afterwards, nice guy.
George Gaston 1 month ago

What a payoff! Hopefully you get the chance to make a feature at some point.
FMR 1 week ago

Wow! An amazing film that captures so many emotions in such a short amount of time - brilliant! I guess it stirs so much that there's bound to be mud flinging all over this "comments" column. Powerful stuff! I don't think we need any answers from this filmmaker - how its being digested is enough! Great film!
lab35 FILMS 6 days ago

amazing!
iswani Productions 2 days ago

excellent