FILM : Here Are the Best Short Films You Should Be Watching on MUBI

While blockbuster releases continue to contribute to a surge of cinemagoers, MUBI is making the perfect case for streaming alternative films at home. With its newly launched “Short Films Big Names” collection, the online streaming platform brings forth an essential watch-list of short-length filmography by world-famous directors, updated on its website every month. 

The new special comes curated by MUBI’s in-house experts who carefully compile a diverse set of films, speaking to its audiences across the globe. From slapstick comedy to coming-of-age dramas, it aims to showcase how the essence of any genre can be explored in bite-sized offerings. As well as exemplifying the thematic possibilities of typically 30-minute shorts, the collection also highlights how these projects have laid the foundations to establish directors’ unique styles – an insightful study to any film obsessive. 

Exploring “Short Films Big Names,” Hypebeast presents a run-down of the five best titles available to watch on MUBI now. Check out the conclusive pick below. 

The Cowboy and the Frenchman (1988)

Directed by David Lynch

Mubi

Dropping on the platform this week is David Lynch’s The Cowboy and the Frenchman. As one of the first collaborative works between the Twin Peaks director and star Harry Dean, this Wild West short shares an introduction into the pair’s long line of classics. The film sees a stereotypical Frenchman – played by Frederic Goldchan – wind up on a typical ranch where their clash of cultures make for jam-packed comedy. 

Nimic (2019)

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

Mubi

Nimic is an eerie thriller that follows a loving cellist as he makes an unexpected encounter with a subway stranger. The short film is directed by Cannes Film festival regular and The Favourite Yorgos Lanthimos and stars seasoned actor Matt Dillon in a role that matches his characteristically moody facade. 

The Staggering Girl (2019)

Directed by Luca Guadagnino

Mubi

Like his films Suspiria and Bones and All, Mystery and a touch of psychosis shadows over this Luca Guadagnino-directed film. With Julianne Moore starring as Francesca, The Staggering Girl follows the protagonist as she goes back to her birthplace in Rome where she is greeted with the ghosts of her past. What makes this short unique is the dreamy wardrobe of ball gowns, suits and elegant, Italian-inspired costumes, designed by Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. 

Wasp (2003)

Directed by Andrea Arnold

Mubi

For those addicted to films exploring the British social landscape, Wasp succinctly taps into the realistic side of this raw, working-class setting. The Oscar-winning short by Fish Tank director Andrea Arnold features Natalie Press who navigates single motherhood whilst tackling the challenges that come from dating her love interest, played by Danny Dyer. Despite its hard-hitting themes, the heart-felt moments are channeled hand-in-hand with tongue-in-cheek English humor. 

Blank Narcissus (2022)

Directed by Peter Strickland

Mubi

Unlike any other title in the “Short Films Big Names” collection, Blank Narcissus taps into the nostalgic erotic drama theme. Rewinding back to 1972, director Peter Strickland hones in on a story that sees an old-age porn producer revisit his love affair with a leading film actress through a commentary video. As with his films The Duke of Burgundy and In Fabric, the film comes with a fair warning of heated scenes throughout.

To celebrate the new collection of short films, MUBI is giving away 30 days of free streaming specially for Hypebeast readers. Head over to its website now to find out more.

Why Kano's Rugby World Cup Launch With Defender Feels Like "Home Sweet Home"

For East Ham-raised grime legend, Kano, any stage across the world – whether that be for music or acting – feels like “Home Sweet Home.”

The rapper is currently working through his rollout for the final season of Top Boy, arguably one of the most highly-anticipated seasons to hit Netflix in years. However, from the 2011-released Channel 4 series, Top Boy Summerhouse, through to the now-Drake-co signed edition on Netflix, Kano – aka Sully – is often seen hopping out of a heavy-rolling Range Rover – a similar model to the Limited Edition Defender 110 that the rapper-turned-actor just unveiled with Defender in Paris, on the eve of the Rugby World Cup 2023 France.

Last week, Defender marked its worldwide partnership with the Rugby World Cup 2023 France with an event honoring modern-day heroes – or to Defender, “Trailblazers” – who are changing the face of rugby through their determination, resilience, and human spirit.

Kano has done the same in his sport. Since the birth of the grime scene in the early ‘00s – thanks to the likes of Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, and Bashy – Kano has been a key figure in the emergence of the genre, standing as a blueprint for artists who want to break out of the environments they’re products of.

The whirlwind tour of Kano’s formative years doesn’t begin to cover his time in the grime collective, N.A.S.T.Y Crew, alongside Marcus Nasty, Jammer, D Double E, Footsie, Ghetts, and more. However, it was the crew’s regular Monday night slot on the pirate radio station, Deja Vu FM, where Kano was able to reach a large enough audience to use as a springboard for his solo career.

It’s this determination in the earliest days of his career, along with his five albums and half a dozen mixtapes – exploring the full spectrum of his sound, from 16-bar grime to hip-hop and UK garage – that in the eyes of Defender, holds Kano in such high regard as a “Trailblazer.”

With this being said, the launch night of the new limited-edition Defender was headlined by Kano. Famous for its “heroic capabilities” and all-terrain adventures, Defender is now exploring a musical world it has much in common with, through innovative collaborations and celebrations of emerging talent.

Land Rover

Alongside Kano, the Defender Trailblazers event celebrated individuals who represent the very best of rugby and inspire others to be capable of great things. Featuring rugby legends and current stars such as Ryuichi Nagayama, the oldest active member of Fuwaku Rugby Club, through to 14-year-old rugby player Jacob Pickering who was born without his left arm due to congenital upper limb deficiency, each “Trailblazer” has demonstrated immense courage, inner strength, and determination in the face of adversity.

These are the foundations Defender’s new model is built on. Taking inspiration from the Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy car – which is currently touring France showcasing the famous Webb Ellis Cup – the model is crafted in a unique specification that’s finished with “Champagne Gold” exterior detailing spread across the bonnet, script, and alloy wheels, while embroidered headrests and blue interior stitching rounds things off.

While only 23 editions of the new Limited Edition Defender 110 have been introduced exclusively to the French market, you can take a closer look at the model above, along with what went down at the Defender Trailblazer event in Paris.

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Takashi Murakami to Host 'Unfamiliar People — Swelling of Monsterized Human Ego'

Takashi Murakami has announced his first-ever solo exhibition in San Francisco, titled Unfamiliar People — Swelling of Monsterized Human Ego or for short, Monsterized, to be hosted at the Asian Art Museum from mid-September to mid-February.

Murakami, largely known for his influence on pop culture and wildly imaginative bold works that are often accompanied by vibrant colors and joyous scenes, will take visitors on a different journey during this upcoming exhibition.

Instead, the artist will explore the nuances of human behavior, through large-scale paintings, sculptures, digital works and more that “Use monsters as a central motif to address the complicated nature of the world around us,” according to the Museum. The monsters depicted are also said to represent the forces and behaviors that threaten and haunt us, in addition to a few that offer diversion and escape from chaos.

“The visual DNA of Murakami’s characters has origins in centuries-old styles in Japanese art,” shared Laura W. Allen, the Museum’s Senior Curator of Japanese Art, adding  “Such as depicting Buddhist arhats and Daoist immortals as wizened beings with strange features, bulging eyes, and bared teeth.”

Allen further explained that Murikami adds to these inspirations his “Technicolor palette, goofy expressions, and eclectic mixture of motifs” that have become his trademark.

For those interested in attending, Murakami’s Unfamiliar People — Swelling of Monsterized Human Ego will open to the public starting September 15, with tickets available to purchase now via the Museum’s official site.

While you wait, check out a preview of what to expect at the exhibition in the video below by the Asian Art Museum San Francisco.

Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin St,
San Francisco, CA 94102,
United States

 

Elsewhere in art, Joan Cornellà presents “VIP” solo exhibition in Seoul.

TAKASHI MURAKAMIEXHIBITIONS

RIHANNA PROVES MOMS CAN WEAR ANYTHING IN NEW SAVAGE X FENTY PICS

Rihanna took to Instagram to share the latest instalment in the world of Savage X Fenty, debuting the brand’s newest “Sheer” collection.

Pictured amidst streams of fabric rolls, the superstar appears dressed in the brand’s new Sheer x Demi Spacer Bra and Sheer X Thong Knickers, in a vibrant “Red Pink” colorway. Alongside the vibrant hue, the sheer collection is available in classic “Black Caviar” colorway alongside a nude-toned “Terracotta Pink.” Landing in the form of a bra, thong and cheeky knickers silhouettes, the collection aims to offer lightweight, everyday lingerie options that celebrate and support the body’s natural curves.

The new collection comes shortly after Savage X Fenty celebrated its five-year anniversary and not long after Rihanna and her baby bump made their official Louis Vuitton campaign debut.

Take a look at Rihanna in action above and head to the Savage X Fenty website to purchase the new collection.

STRIPPERS ARE SUCCESFULLY UNIONIZING — AND IT’S A WIN FOR HOLLYWOOD, TOO

With active strikes across the U.S., the latest union win is a win for all industries.

In today’s sex-positive news, Portland strip club, Magic Tavern, becomes the second strip club in the United States to successfully unionize for sex workers. Here’s what this means for the overall labor movement.

Magic Tavern dancers petitioned for a union on April 4, 2023 after numerous complaints regarding their safety in the workplace. Problems ranged from no locks on dressing room doors, a major safety hazard for women, a “mysterious gas smell emanating from the kitchen,” and racial discrimination to improperly installed equipment and an overall lack of security. Conditions were dire and ignored — until now.

On September 7, five months after the petition went public, the Magic Tavern was officially unionized. As KPTV reported, “The vote was unanimous with all 16 employees in favor of union representation.”

As Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association shared, “This is proof that strippers joining a union is no fluke, and that workers who want a union can have a union.” Exotic dancing is a highly consumed art and entertainment form in the U.S., for everyone from the working class to highly acclaimed politicians, however, it’s notoriously disrespected.

The ability of dancers to openly fight for their rights and receive assistance is a sign for workers worldwide. “It’s also a win for the labor movement,” Shindle continued. “Particularly those in stigmatized and marginalized industries where their needs are routinely overlooked or ignored. We are eager to get to the bargaining table and get them back into their club.”

For more sex-positive news, tap these five oral sex tips for your inner throat goat.

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