What makes a short film?

Firstly I decided to research the definition of a 'Short Film' and I found out it is any film not long enough to be considered a feature film and the running time can't be any longer than 40 minutes, including credits. Longer films usually follow one event/storyline, which can become predictable and boring but this doesn't have to apply to short films. Short films can be more experimental and less clear, making the audience have different interpretations. Short films can follow a classical hollywood style of film making or choose to go down the more experimental route. This route can attract a bigger audience as they don't know whats going to happen next. It can be hard approach as theres no clear characters and storyline.  I prefer a clear storyline as its easier for the audience and they understand whats happening. As when I watch a novelty short film I never understand it and don't take anything away from it than just being confused. An audience will be attracted to a short film with interesting characters, which they can relate to. If they can relate it makes the story and characters personal to them making them engage more into the short film. However this doesn't always works because the story has took too long introducing the characters which can become annoying and not telling a good enough story. Also as it is a short film it needs to be a quick introduction to have enough time for the storyline. To make a good short film you need a good ending, it usually tells you a lot about what the message the film was trying to make. 

In class we watched a short film called 'Eau de la Vie'  which has a tragic short film with a good example of a interesting ending. The film is a combination of novelty (experimental) and emotion/ connection to the characters. In the film there is a group of friends in a restaurant watching a cruel and unusual type of entertainment. I have never seen a storyline like this before, which makes me think that it took them a while to think it. I didn't know what was going to happen all the way through the film making me very engaged throughout. This film engaged with my emotions as I felt sorry for the boy (who was the entertainment) and at the same time annoyed with everyone watching him. I felt sorry for the lady as she didn't understand what she was getting herself into and having friends which enjoy cruel entertainment. I felt very uncomfortable watching the film especially the boy in the water and made me not want to keep watching but as it was such a crazy storyline with an interesting ending I had to keep watching. Overall I thought the short was very interesting and captivating as it was so unique. This film has made me realise that I need to plan in depth to create an interesting plot/storyline with connectable characters which the audience can relate to.