[Fantasia ’25] ‘Shrimp Fried Rice’ and ‘Hotel Acropole’ are can’t miss shorts

Short films are an important part of any film festival. They afford creators the opportunity to do things that full length films cannot always do while giving audiences the chance to see aspiring filmmakers and actors. This year’s edition of Fantasia has a great selection of shorts. Here are the two that really stood out.

Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp Fried Rice is a short film playing at Fantasia that is over the top, creative, and funny. It is also a reminder of why the format is such a vital part of cinema. A world famous chef and his best dish are about to engage in a culinary battle with his most hated nemesis – on national television, of course. What follows is a battle that will test the mettle of everyone involved.

Director Dylan Pun goes all out in his short. The puppetry is excellent and rivals some of the work seen in feature films. Each creation is incredibly detailed and brings life to the zany story. And since Shrimp Fried Rice runs just over ten minutes, the work never has the chance to wear out its welcome.

The same can be said about the humor. Shrimp Fried Rice is incredibly funny, mainly due to its foul mouthed main character. It works so well, since Pun is able to maximize the blue humor without wearing out the audience. And in between the jokes, the film is able to touch on a topical issue. It is a nice little surprise that makes it all that much more delectable.

Hotel Acropole

Hotel Acropole is a French body horror film. Rivka has checked into the titular hotel the night before her dead partner’s ashes are going to be scattered. While there, a man from her past named Hugo shows up at her room. The two share an emotional night together that neither of them will ever forget.

Sound is an important part of body horror which writer-director Sarah Lasry uses to maximum effect. It seems like every single movement that Rivka makes is accompanied by a disgusting squishy sound. The gore itself is effectively done and just looks gross. The climax sees both brought together in a sensuous and disgusting moment.

Character development is an important part of Hotel Acropole. The majority of the runtime is the conversation between Rivka and Hugo. We understand the dynamics of their relationship which makes the short more than just just a blood soaked watch. It is a tension filled watch that audiences will be unable to turn from – no matter how revolting things get.