Browse films

The Rules

Jim Lounsbury
Australia, 2022, 31 min.

In English.
Includes sexual content and adult language.

IVY LEWIS has a problem with social constructs. She sees them. Even understands why most of them exist. But when you can’t feel fear, empathy or shame, what’s the point in following the rules?

Director's Statement

Post-pandemic, what our our new terms of engagement with the world? Our love lives are controlled by algorithms. Our social lives are curated for us by tech giants and our future is being planned by the people put us in this mess... The Rules addresses that frustration and scratches that itch. The central character Ivy represents our repressed desires and reckless impulses. Our self destructive tendencies and irrational fears. And my hope is that her journey to blindly address her own self-inflicted wounds inspires us to define our own rules of engagement with the world.

Category: Short, Drama.
Themes: Relationships, World Cinema.

More in Short

  • Coalescence

    Coalescence

    David Shen Miller
    United States, 2025, 9 min.

    Laverna and Janus use brain-to-brain interfacing technology to merge their minds into a singular consciousness. But as their memories meld, what happens to... more ›

  • Disco Beats

    Disco Beats

    Ken Arquelio
    United States, 2025, 19 min.

    Disco Beats is a tender exploration of two men who connect through the language of dance. Lou (played by Pepe Serna), an 80 year old who’s never... more ›

  • Clouds in the Wind

    Clouds in the Wind

    Xing Song
    China, 2025, 23 min.

    Upon returning to his hometown, Vincent reconnects with old friends, attends a wedding, and catches up with familiar faces from his past. These experiences... more ›