The Harpies was written, filmed, and edited in 48 hours as part of the 2024 Run N Gun: Vancouver’s 48 hour Film Competition. Winner of the Run N Gun’s Best Cinematography and Best Art awards, as well as, being nominated for Best Picture, Best Editing, Best Sound, and Best Direction.
Aura is on the run from her ex-boyfriend. She is accompanied by her friend, Matt. Matt has always had an uncomfortable crush on Aura. The pair find themselves seeking shelter in an abandoned lumber mill. Unbeknownst to them; a dangerous harpy calls the mill home.
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Review by Julie C. Sheppard:
The spine-tingling short The Harpies came out of a 48-hour film competition and was rightly decorated with both awards and nominations. This success is not surprising. From the first second, the viewer is pulled into a gripping narrative as the camera pivots dizzily on its axis. The grey post-apocalyptic setting of the rundown, yet rather modern industrial area immediately immerses the viewer into an anxious gloom.
The two aptly performed main characters Aura and Matt exist in this dark world and, despite their current wardrobe and vocal cadence, their references to the existence of fearsome mythological creatures take us out of modern day and back to ancient times. Visceral suspense is in the air, brought on by the couple who senses that dangerous creatures are afoot, in addition to a wickedly, ominous soundtrack of siren-like vocals, and heavy synth and percussion.
Any review of this thrilling piece would be amiss not to mention the wardrobe, make up and prosthetics and grisly sound effects of the harpy, a ravenous mythological figure that is half bird and half human and who, in this case, seeks revenge against misogyny. For such a short time to conceive and create this fearsome film, the whole production is remarkably professional and worthy of its accolades.
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