ShortFilmsMatter.com
ShortFilmsMatter.com
SUBMIT
submit

Treason

Synopsis

When a fugitive of the Japanese-Nazi Regime takes refuge at Vladimir’s home, he must decide whether to help the man and risk his family’s lives.

Review

2/5
An action-packed short about survival, family protection and politics.
Written and directed by Emmaus Nakagawa, ‘Treason’ is a short action film starring Colin Taylor (Vladimir) – a Russian citizen faced with a hostile predicament over patriotism, family protection and aiding a fugitive. Sean Mansfield co-stars as the fugitive, with Kenny Lam as the general. Michael Helfrich completes the cast as Ivan – Vladimir’s young son. In spite of upstanding technicality throughout – adept cinematography (Nick Green) and sound (Camden Gradwell) – the film is flawed with inauthentic locations and weak acting delivery – which is certain to thwart viewing engagement.

The 10-minute film, which is supposed to be set in 1980’s Siberian Russia, opens with a fugitive on the run from a Neo-Nazi regime. The fugitive finds refuge in a residential garage where he is quickly held at gunpoint by the owner (Vladimir), prior to military approach. Vladimir, in an effort to protect his adolescent son and the fugitive, is now faced with tense conflict from the general.

Treason Short Film
Despite having a promising log line, the narrative is torn apart by phoney performances and unconvincing locations – the film is distinctly produced in the United States (and obiously not in the 1980s) – which regrettably leads to viewer disbelief. The fight choreography is comically amateur with implausible special effects and prop-artistry. The entire film lacks attention to detail – which is essential in build suspense, thrill and make-belief. A re-record that would correct the before mentioned flaws will certainly result in riveting viewing.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Emmaus Nakagawa
Writer(s): Emmaus Nakagawa
Cast: Colin Taylor, Kenny Lam, Michael Helfrich, Sean Mansfield
Producer(s): Aaron Daniel Annas, Byron Nakagawa, Emmaus Nakagawa, Jessica Lazarín
Director of Photography: Nick Green
Animation (if applicable):

Specifications

Genre:
Subjects: , , , ,
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2021
Runtime: 10 min

Recommended

4/5

Monster Mayhem

When VFX artists hijack a zombie film, all fun breaks loose….
  • Action, Comedy
  • Canada
  • 2022
  • 2 min
4/5

The Other Side

An undercover detective must infiltrate an Asian gang’s compound and rescue his kidnapped fiancé. However, the reality is much different than he expected….
  • Action, Drama
  • United States
  • 2021
  • 15 min
3/5

Spy Tops Spy 2: I’ve Been Set Up

Spy, Diana Stone, of the World Spy Agency finds spy, Karl Reese, at his vacation spot to tell him the news that she has…
  • Action, Comedy
  • United States
  • 2021
  • 4 min
3/5

Eraser

At first glance, Soh seems to be a regular schoolboy who loves games. As his story slowly unfolds, between long leaves of grass and…
  • Action, Drama
  • Japan
  • 2020
  • 8 min
3/5

Kitman

Curiosity kills when a world-renowned hitman faces his greatest adversary yet….
  • Action, Comedy
  • United States
  • 2021
  • 3 min
3/5

Dust Angel

During the Earth/Mars conflict, a lone soldier explores a mysterious planet in the Andromeda galaxy. As the human searches for resources, he discovers that…
  • Action, Sci-Fi
  • United States
  • 2021
  • 23 min

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Emmaus Nakagawa
Writer(s): Emmaus Nakagawa
Cast: Colin Taylor, Kenny Lam, Michael Helfrich, Sean Mansfield
Producer(s): Aaron Daniel Annas, Byron Nakagawa, Emmaus Nakagawa, Jessica Lazarín
Director of Photography: Nick Green
Animation (if applicable):

Specifcations

Genre:
Subjects: , , , ,
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2021
Runtime: 10 min

Recommended

5/5

Dolphin Boy

  • Action, Comedy
  • United States
  • 2021
James Redfield, a former child star, struggles to break back into the film industry. Driving for Lyft and DoorDash, James encounters a sketchy business that can solve his financial struggles. James is forced to make a life changing decision….
4/5

Sweet Pea & Glass

  • Action, Thriller
  • United States
  • 2022
Two rookies have one last chance to prove themselves to the “Suits” gang. All they have to do is ditch a body in enemy territory without being caught. If the rival “Scars” don’t kill them, their boss sure will….

Treason

Synopsis

When a fugitive of the Japanese-Nazi Regime takes refuge at Vladimir’s home, he must decide whether to help the man and risk his family’s lives.

Review

An action-packed short about survival, family protection and politics.

2/5
Written and directed by Emmaus Nakagawa, ‘Treason’ is a short action film starring Colin Taylor (Vladimir) – a Russian citizen faced with a hostile predicament over patriotism, family protection and aiding a fugitive. Sean Mansfield co-stars as the fugitive, with Kenny Lam as the general. Michael Helfrich completes the cast as Ivan – Vladimir’s young son. In spite of upstanding technicality throughout – adept cinematography (Nick Green) and sound (Camden Gradwell) – the film is flawed with inauthentic locations and weak acting delivery – which is certain to thwart viewing engagement.

The 10-minute film, which is supposed to be set in 1980’s Siberian Russia, opens with a fugitive on the run from a Neo-Nazi regime. The fugitive finds refuge in a residential garage where he is quickly held at gunpoint by the owner (Vladimir), prior to military approach. Vladimir, in an effort to protect his adolescent son and the fugitive, is now faced with tense conflict from the general.

Treason Short Film
Despite having a promising log line, the narrative is torn apart by phoney performances and unconvincing locations – the film is distinctly produced in the United States (and obiously not in the 1980s) – which regrettably leads to viewer disbelief. The fight choreography is comically amateur with implausible special effects and prop-artistry. The entire film lacks attention to detail – which is essential in build suspense, thrill and make-belief. A re-record that would correct the before mentioned flaws will certainly result in riveting viewing.

Recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

Short Films Matter is an online short film platform that reviews independent short films from across the globe.

We are proud to feature the work of up-and-coming talent as well as established filmmakers.

Unlike other curated short film platforms, we never reject short films. All films submitted are guaranteed to be showcased on our website.

 

You can submit your short film for review using our submission form. Our submission fee is $50. 

Any submissions received via email or social media will be not be accepted.

No. Short Films Matter is a short film platform that reviews and promotes short films via our website and social media. We do not hold live screening events or competitions.

All short films on our platform are publicly available. Filmmakers can request we showcase a trailer instead.

If you would like to make any changes to your review page/or request deletion, you can do so via email.

1. All short films must be publicly hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. If your short film is currently in a festival season. you can submit a trailer. This can be and changed later once your festival season has concluded.

2. Short Films must be 40 minutes or less.

3. You can submit a film that was produced/released in any year, country or language.

4. We accept all types of short films, including: Action, Animation, Comedy, Drama, Documentary, Experimental, Horror, LGBTQ+, Music, Mystery, Sci-Fi and Thriller.

5. We do not refund submissions.

6. Subtitles are required if the film is not in the English language.

© 2023 Short Films Matter

Instagram Envelope