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

  • The Sinks

    The Sinks

    Jacob Staudenmaier
    United States, 2026, 16 min.

    A small band from Tucson - comprised of four best friends - plays their final show at the end of college... more ›

  • Happy Anniversary

    Happy Anniversary

    Munjal Yagniik
    United States, 2026, 7 min.

    On their anniversary night, Sarah and Chris—an interracial couple—find their celebration disrupted when their rideshare driver’s small talk... more ›

  • Ball Lightning

    Ball Lightning

    Catriona Baker
    United States, 2025, 12 min.

    Ball Lightning is the true story of a refugee who fled the personal and social effects of Soviet-run East Germany after the end of WWII and immigrated... more ›