The Golden Blasters

Well this time next week the Con should be well underway and you gentle reader should be in the middle of deciding which panel you're going to attend first? So in anticipation of the beginning of everybody's favourite con , here's the next two nominees for this years blasters and I gotta tell you, there's gonna be blood!

Chorebot

Live Action: USA: Directed by Greg Omelchuck and Raina James

Texas , the near future. Simon is a dog, Chorebot is the robot who looks after him while the master is at work but when tragedy strikes in the shape of a bizarre accident, will anyone notice Simon and Chorebot and will anyone care?

John Vaughan says: All I have to say is If you're not moved by the ending of this beautiful little short...than you're dead inside.


The Shoreditch Slayer

Live Action: UK: Directed by Simon Levene

So in the wake of the  Twilight books and  movies , where have all the scary vampires gone and what do they do for a living?

John Vaughan says: The shortest of our entrants this year, beautifully shot and produced in the style of a health and safety warning, this will leave you laughing.

Well, well! Octocon's annual film festival and awards, The Golden Blasters, sure were an interesting bunch this year! The room was packed, and everyone we met afterwards had strong opinions about the films.

Two other shorts were shown, besides the nominees, as they had great merit, but didn't quite make the cut for different reasons. These were Tod Polson's Escape of the Gingerbread Man, and Anthony Woodley's Arca.

Having shown all of our films, it was then up to our audience, and our judges, to pick the Silver and Golden Blasters, respectively. Of course, there wasn't much of a divergence between the two this year, as both awards went to one film: Hai In Mano Il Tuo Futuro!

The short revolves around a man's daily trip to have his urine monitored, like everyone else. But what happens when one just can't go? The audience were laughing their hats off at this Italian gem of political satire, so it was no wonder that this piece won. Well done to Enrico Maria Artale and everyone involved in this movie's making.

In the Bowels of Octocon Towers, there is a special padded room where your friendly host is currently having a quick "rest". Just don't agitate him, oh and no sharp objects...or spoons. I advise you not to ask....

THE DOOR IS UNLOCKED!

"All films and no play makes...oh hello, I guess you're here to find out what the sixth entrant for this year's Blasters is, well you have a look while I pour myself a nice Chianti !" *giggles*

THE NIGHT NURSE
Writer/Director Terence White
Ireland

Synopsis:

The Night Nurse (Ger Ryan) is doing the graveyard shift on a psychiatric ward, but something is very, very wrong. Will The Night Nurse solve the terrible secret of the patient in room 5 before it claims her?

John Vaughan Says:

"So, we return to Ireland for our final nominee, and what a film, this is a beautifully shot and crafted short, barely four minutes in length, yet telling a tale worthy of the best Hitchcockian psychological horror stories."

And that's it. Those are your six shorts set out to thrill and delight, terrify and entertain you. There are only a few days to go until you help to decide who will take home the coveted Silver Blaster Award, and remember, one of you that votes will be taking home a fabulous prize to boot! As for me? Well watching all those films hasn't affected me...of course not. I'm just going to sit here awhile and relax. Just writing some stuff on the walls, now lets see where was I...? Oh yes "Red rum, Red Rum, Red rum... see you Sunday...bwahahahahahahahhah!"