From ‘Timecode’ Helmer’s Latest to the Retro High Camp ‘Nivel Dios,’ Five Standouts at Málaga’s Short Film Corner

variety.com:

Pedro Martín-Calero with “The Wailing,” starring Ester Expósito –  Malaga’s Mafiz-Spanish Screenings has launched a Short Film Corner.

Following, five standout shorts from a dizzying selection of 58 titles, which are accompanied by round tables and presentations at an immediately fully-fledged major new section at the Malaga Festival and Spanish Screenings.  “Mourn,” (Marc Borràs) Inspired by Johnna Adams’ play “Gideon’s Knot,” “Mourn” (“Duelo”) revolves around a classroom meeting between a troubled teacher (Àngels López) and an angry and mourning mother (Sandra Molins) who blames her for a seemingly avoidable tragedy.

Molins and López’s intense and emotional performances result in a powerful and agonizing confrontation. From Barcelona-based Borràs, a must video and shoots director (“Neon Moths”).  “Mussol,” (Juanjo Giménez) In Giménez’s “Mussol”– “owl” in Catalan – a hapless and seemingly disturbed real estate agent struggles with his career and possibly his own mental health while trying to care for his Alzheimer’s-afflicted mother in a darkly funny, highly accomplished and polished work that keeps viewers enthralled but clueless about what exactly is happening.

The latest from Jiménez whose Cannes Palme d’Or winner “Timecode,” nominated for a 2017 Academy Award, is still regarded as one of the best of recent Spanish shorts. “Nivel Dios,” (César Tormo) A zeal for the Lord and a devastating crush, both adolescent and unrequited, rip through the scenes as young outcast Laura comes to terms with her lust for the school’s religion professor in actor-director César Tormo’s eighth short film “Nivel Dios.” The blissful and bizarre commentary on divine intervention utilizes high-camp and a retro aesthetic to add alluring