Sci-Fi Short Film: "Laura & Vineta" | DUST

[@robertskulenko1068]

Hi, fellow sci-fi aficionados! I'm Robert and I directed this short film together with my friends and colleagues. First of all, I really appreciate you taking time to watch it. It means a lot. But if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I will try to answer and share silly stories from the set. Cheers!

[@tqrules01]

It was great fun thank you so much for all your effort! I loved it

[@nixxon]

Love it. Well done Robert. Gotta appreciate the taterz more.

[@bhabani11]

Hola Amigos! Versatile n wonderful direction

[@arshthescene]

Where did you get the inspiration from? It has to be inspired from some real person's life.

[@gregdeytch]

Just Amazing... I love It More videos like this please... HUGS FROM BRAZIL 😎👉👉 🇧🇷

[@tylociraptor8131]

Finally, someone who reacts the way they SHOULD to an intergalactic visitor. Chastise him for messing up your potatoes, then give him one.

[@charlesangell_bulmtl]

Yes, sir. Nice little story..

[@daniel_wilkinson]

"Without potatoes life has no meaning" is my new motto.

[@rogersheddy6414]

But if you really want to have fun, learn how to pronounce it in Latvian way he does on this short film.

[@darinbauer8122]

Eggplant!

[@stefanschleps8758]

One potato, given with human kindness, gets you the fabled Cosmic Cube for Christs sake!

[@darinbauer8122]

Do you mean the Tesserac?

[@mysmirandam.6618]

It's true though there'd be no vodka chips or fries!

[@juliaconnell]

Ha - this was *awesome* - loved every bit of this - never ever EVER separate a person from their potatoes 🥔🥔🥔 - and if an alien crashes, just knock! 👽 very impressive - original story & sweet comedy (great actors!) - plus given limited budget very impressive special effects

[@handlemonium]

What's YOUR minimum specification? ~ TechTechPotato

[@deedee3904]

The potato is a metaphor for how living a simple and straightforward life, can give you so much more than riches/gold or power. Note the smile on the lead character's face when he lifts the potato. This is a wonderful film. Thank you!

[@anna-lisagirling7424]

The various things I've stumbled onto about Latvia in the past couple of years have taught me that you guys has a delightful sense of humor! This story is no exception. And, when our protagonist took the potato back from the Alien briefly so he could peel it first in a universal gesture of demonstrating to him/her/it? that it is best eaten that way was the best ice breaker in any first contact. And the healing properties of good food are magical; we all know that ; ). You guys nailed all the universal messaging so well in this with fun and an ease we are all needing these days as this pandemic continues to challenge us. Thank you for this so much. Now, if I can live long enough to get my tire old carcass to see you obviously gorgeous country in person . . . . . Cheers!

[@Hungryghost01]

Peeling away the skin removes most of the vitamins. IDW people waste it like that

[@MrTaxiRob]

@@Hungryghost01 It's from the nightshade family, green skin is poisonous.

[@JOHNWLOUCKS]

I'm with you Anna-Lisa ! It was a delightful film and I really would love to see Latvia but alas, I bet my carcass is older than yours !

[@anna-lisagirling7424]

@@JOHNWLOUCKS We could have a contest! The oldest pays the fare

[@vb8428]

Great comment Anna, and yes the humor and acting was so natural and perfect here.

[@clarsach29]

I absolutely LOVED this, it was a sheer delight to watch! Possibly the only Latvian language comedy sci-fi film ever made (but I hope there will be more!)....everything about this was superb....the script, the slow laconic pace, the setting, acting....thankyou for making this, it has really made me smile this week

[@stefanschleps8758]

Yep!

[@lisimoses3O348]

ABSOLUTELY! Loved everything about it and enjoyed every minute :)

[@stevenredpath9332]

Good to see a bit of humour in sci-fi. It’s not always angst and end of the world.

[@Iceberg564]

Seems like the man in the film is fully content with his life. The Agent told him that he could take him to a three star hotel but he is ok to stay with his modest friends. They tell him he could have had gold of potatoes he is unmoved. Lacks the greed and lust for possessions that can be derived from urban settlers.

[@yawningkitty457]

Something I've come to understand, is that having enough to be comfortable is enough.

[@vb8428]

@@yawningkitty457 That's how I've found happiness in the past few years despite failing in some crucial areas.

[@Garacha222]

well said.

[@paulbattenbough1002]

@@yawningkitty457 great philosophy...friendships, the generosity of friends, seeing humour in our struggles, and of course potatoes. it's more than enough

[@sarasteege2265]

I really enjoyed the singularity of Aldis' passion for potatoes -- feels a lot like a character concept that did not get overly complicated or ambitious in the telling. ^_^ Also, I love that his friends were supportive of him, and buddied up so unquestioningly. Had some Nick Frost and Simon Pegg energy there!

[@jdlech]

"Life without potatoes has no meaning". "Calling you a potato would be a compliment" I died.... twice

[@vb8428]

Bro😂😂😂

[@pwnmeisterage]

Never hate people for the things they love. No matter how trivial, bizarre, or incomprehensible their passion might be.

[@cheecharron1244]

That was fun to watch and I agree potatos are way underrated

[@dncviorel]

not in Ireland

[@robertskulenko1068]

Here's another story: My initial idea for the interior of the ship was to make it look organic, as if the alien and the ship are bonded together. We designed it, but with the tiny budget we had we could only build a very tiny ship that would be a nightmare to light and film, so we ended up covering the set with dark velvet (it doesn't reflect light) to make the interior look infinite.

[@StevesVariousStuff]

Sometimes the inventiveness of a tiny budget leads to really good results. The interior really did look huge and more effective than if you'd have built a set costing hundreds of thousands.

[@BotondKisKovacs]

I thought it looked awesome. To be honest I wasn't expecting it to be so nice on the inside. There was also that "it's bigger on the inside" Doctor Who moment which I really enjoyed. The low budget ended up generating a better result than any fancy set you could have built. Can you recommend some Latvian movies? Maybe comedy or sci-fi as those happen to be my favorite genres. Excellent actors too by the way, do they play in feature films?

[@elizabethmolino8262]

I really enjoyed your film

[@robertskulenko1068]

@@BotondKisKovacs Thank you. Leons who plays Aldis is a theatre actor, but he has done a bit part in a film or two. Others don't and Uģis who plays his friend is not an actor at all. Speaking of recommendations: I can't seem to recall any local sci-fi, but a crime comedy called The Foundation Of Criminal Excellence was very popular a few years ago. I have no clue if it is available on any streaming services.

[@BotondKisKovacs]

@@robertskulenko1068 Thank you for the recommendation. I will look for it. I'm always happy to find good foreign movies that aren't American. Found so many good ones from Spain, France, Korea, Japan, but it's hard to discover movies not intended for an international audience.

[@jamesmorgan1063]

Very enjoyable with a profound lesson. First contact must be anchored to tolerance and understanding instead of mistrust and fear. Brilliant!

[@mprojekt72]

Potatoes are quite wonderful and deserve our respect! The visitor in this story clearly knew this - they even had a starship shaped like a potato. :)

[@madscientist6567]

Even the Captain's chair was a potato. :)

[@tancosta1286]

Only 2 things on the planet give you real vitamine D, the Sun and patatoes

[@mprojekt72]

@@tancosta1286 Gotta love the almighty "bah-day-duh," as old Uncle Bumblefark would say.

[@paulbattenbough1002]

@@mprojekt72 😂😂😂😂

[@elfieblue3175]

Haha, potato farmer slept through the whole crash-landing! That really establishes in just a few seconds what kind of man the agency had no idea they were dealing with.

[@wongduannabamrung7004]

I loved the potato fixation, how he would not change , those actors were superb, I loved the silence non urgency that the actor transferred, the screenplay the director good job I LOVE IT

[@JonRobert]

"Cosmic doofus...." Priceless

[@vb8428]

I know😂😂 So many priceless lines in this, delivered so perfectly too.

[@mjboshko]

the 1980 Olympics shirt on the fat guy was classic

[@arshthescene]

Haha I enjoyed this movie so much! I was ROOTing for Aldis :D Earthly potatoes gave the alien healing powers and looks like the alien's "potato" gave Aldis some super powers eh?

[@jamesdriscoll_tmp1515]

He was out standing in his field

[@donnellrhino]

Now for the sequel. Maybe curly fries or French fries, but no mashed potatoes. The best sci-fi on dust ever. Bravo.

[@datathunderstorm]

Thank you! I thoroughly enjoyed that! Extraordinarily brilliant sci-fi short movie - I was a former foreign student in Belarus and I know the importance of potatoes!! Apparently, so do Aliens!!

[@jancavelli]

Wow!! This short was awesome!!! Its fun and different from all alien movies

[@ichhier5165]

Great job Robert. Finally something humorous. Life is serious enough.

[@wonniewarrior]

Well done mate - and I love both Sci Fi and Potato's too. Australia.

[@adilsongoliveira]

I loved the detail of that woman's gaze in the photo above the bed :)

[@paineoftheworld]

The picture of the wife looking down.... So much of the world's comedy comes from just that little bit. Bravo.

[@zethraelofteldrassil3149]

And, for Aldis kindness, the alien gave him a precious gift. Loved it!

[@jackturner7814]

What was the gift? I couldn’t figure it out,,,

[@zethraelofteldrassil3149]

@@jackturner7814 The gift of telekinesis

[@utubecustomer0099805]

Latvia looks like a pleasant place in the Summer. This was delightful.

[@mishie618]

When he said, you look like shit bro, I peed myself lol

[@paulbattenbough1002]

What a great face the potato farmer has! made for this comedy tale. Really enjoyed it. great casting and acting.

[@sallyoquinn]

Entertaining and beautifully presented with a humorous edge. I can't wait to see how that crop of potatoes turns out!

[@ArtII2Long]

Definitely one of the top three I've seen from DUST!

[@maverickrider4591]

A beautiful humor, enjoyable characters, if these are not proffessional actors, they should be. I am so glad you left the original language... their voices all in character added the personality and charm. The subtitles added the final touches. I felt good feelings throughout the film beginning to end, if that makes sense. This should be shown at the Cairns International Film Festival: Tuesday May 17 2022 through Saturday May 28th 2022. You have all the elements to win.

[@bradjohnson9671]

Mr. Kulenko, that was fantastic! So simple yet still very engaging, humorous, dell directed, great simple production, the list goes on. Well done sir, very well done.

[@Djfragas]

Priorities, man, priorities!

[@AS-ly3jp]

That was definitely one of the best Short movies I watched yet. Great humor, great filming, great acting... That is freaking awesome!!!

[@peterhagan8454]

haha looove that heres the wormhole , and they dig a hole in a groung with worms init of course. the hint of the lady able to handle herself, and the men observing people messing around in space, leads me to beieve they are wiser and more intelligent than we think. but ive only seen up to the men digging the hole . i am so gripped , genuinely excited

[@TheLastStarfighter77]

It's refreshing to see new ideas like this, I'm not sure how you got Alien's and potatoes to work but you certainly did, thanks Robert and your team for bringing this to the community 🙂👽 Well done sir 👍

[@rudolfbergert4604]

What a great and deep sense of humor + a brilliant story ---> THX a lot for this movie !!!

[@dalebecause2467]

Very good....This one would rank in my top 15 of the Best Online Shorts of all time...It is in fine company....

[@archtopist]

Loved it. My wife is Latvian and I am studying the language. Subtitles and comfortable pace makes it great for study too.

[@johnpearson3820]

There's nothing remotely as good as this on Netflix, guys like you deserve Hollywood budgets!

[@nathanielball365]

This was by far one of the most original very funny short films I've ever seen!! Loved the vibe from this one!! I finished the film feeling lighter, happier, and much more carefree!!! Now if I can only incorporate that feeling into all day everyday my life will be complete... Perhaps I should start a potato farm??? Lol!!! Thanks for this Gem of a flick!! INCREDIBLE job everyone involved!!! Especially the lead actor!!!

[@ElizabethWarrenYeahYeah]

I have watched this film several times over, & each time I'm howling with laughter. The casting is perfect. Aldis facial expressions are priceless & the "Official" who is trying to stay calm is just wonderfully well played. I love that all he had to do was knock on the capsule to be given entry, yet these experts had not done this..... hahahaha, it's such a funny film, well done everyone on the film, it's beautifully made. The icing on the cake are the birds singing in the background & the dogs barking. They give it an authenticity other film lack. PLEASE make more films. I just loved this one & have shared it with everyone I know.

[@2002RM]

I must say, finding a film like this is a real delight. It truly seduced me into watching more. At first, I thought "this guy is a weirdo... but let me just watch to confirm then shut it off". Then he was doing the crossword "...third letter M, P-O-M-A-T-O" :-D And I was like, "this is next level!". Then, he slept through what sounded like a bomb and I was like "Yeah, it's Monday. That's how I feel too bro". Then he said "No potatoes, no evacuation" And I was hooked! In all seriousness, what I loved about this short is how a simple premise can be layered and characterised so well to make an interesting and humorous story. In fact, the Alien is really just a part of the comedy and not the object of the film. By the end of the story, this man who's only concern was reaping his potatoes, to share his joy for them with his friends, became a legend :-D

[@DTeichman]

Really enjoyed watching this short. The actors were superb, and the story was so positive. We need more of these kind of stories to shield us from the constant negative drivel flung at us, daily. Thank you.

[@flyingpaladin2712]

The kindness of a common farmer....world wide in its lesson...hilarious in any language.

[@ElizabethWarrenYeahYeah]

711 comments & only 1 negative one. That's a very good demonstration of how much this lovely film is held in affection by everyone.

[@antoipepper]

That was excellent!!! LOVED everything about it. Great acting, great comedy!

[@michaelday6590]

I share the love this farmer has with potatoes. Without potatoes life has no meaning.

[@singleplayerrpglover5236]

Dear Robert! What a master piece! Story, actors, camera - just wow! Thank you very much and the whole crew for doing this - very valuable 20 mins of my life time for spending with this! Thank You!!!

[@gimmiedashasha]

Aldis here on Earth: MY POTATOES!!! Matt Damon on Mars: MY POTATOES!!!

[@dnisey64]

😂🤣

[@vb8428]

Nice

[@Dosbomber]

Clearly, potatoes are our key to unlocking the secrets of the universe.

[@marymagmartha7453]

_You got me here, thinking about 🥔 Potatoes! Potatoes? Scallop, HomeFries, Seasoned French Fries, and don’t forget about those McD Hash Browns. Any movie that can make me 🧐 “think” is good. Any 🎥 Movie that can make me sit back and “think” about the wonders of a Russet - Fantastic_

[@uspatriot4261]

The guy in charge had that Moe Howard hair cut of the three stooges fame

[@blackbird5634]

Kind of a silly ''roadside picnic'' in short. I really like this!! Optimistic, off kilter, and fun! I'm a big big fan of the Potato and will remember it's great contribution to our world(s). "The artist is a potato, French Fries are art." -Will Crow

[@joeled7660]

"What I say is that, if a fellow really likes potatoes, he must be a pretty decent sort of fellow." - A. A. Milne

[@Heareaux]

The way he slept right through a nearby meteor strike reminds me of myself lol.

[@drsingingeagle]

Life without potatoes has no meaning. From the fidget spinner to the agents' blasting rock music, this video was brilliantly done! Now I want to visit Latvia! 🇱🇻

[@OniMetsuki]

Felt shorter than it was, simple, fun and definitely off the wall. I enjoyed it thanks :) "If you describe something as off-the-wall, you mean that it is unusual and rather strange but in an amusing or interesting way. .."

[@WillyDuit]

This should be a series. Great work!

[@ASDSwede]

I love this. The story, the acting, the subdued humor. A perfect little story. Potatoes ARE important. They also do taste different even if they are the same "brand". The soil they grow in affects their taste.

[@dolorazajick920]

That was a most enjoyable short Sci-Fi film. A wonderful way to start the day. I'm still chuckling.

[@IndigenousEarthling101]

Love this humorous and human depiction of local and extraterrestrial politics and potatoes!

[@rudevalve]

Certified Gold!!!!!

[@bevonkacon17]

This was quite entertaining. The alien was awesome.

[@blablablaclaclacla9895]

I like how the aliens built a spacecraft just like the potatoe. That's why they chose his potatoe field to crash land

[@alexlisak9590]

Absolutely delicious all the way around. By far the best story posted to Dust I have seen. The atmosphere, the protagonist's priorities, and the attention to detail had me laughing through the entire plot. Exceptional!!

[@thebiospecialist]

I cannot describe how much I loved this film. It was so well done. The friendship, the dark humor... everything.

[@onepercentile]

What we take for granted as low tech *may* be high tech to another. Nice plot!!

[@coryhaywood6420]

Absolutely brilliant! Perfect example of where we are as the human race, alien visitors, and disclosure. The irony is what Freedom means to Russian culture versus so-called American freedoms. And the truth is, all human beings want the same things dot-dot-dot the pursuit of happiness.

[@lorichaudhry7290]

Oh my goodness. This has everything a girl could ever ask for in a sci-fi short. The future narrative just yanks at your sleeve and screams for you to write different scenarios. So fun! I want glowing mashed spuds for dinner! 👀

[@umaiar]

That was a good time, and a solid story that leaves plenty of room for questions. Projects like this encourage me to check out more content that is produced in other countries. I am left wondering how the potato/pomato joke plays out in other languages.

[@daviedood2503]

Like a modern day version of E. T.

[@dobriak]

More like pot-E.T.-o

[@zocc116]

filmed with a potato (superb Latvian 8K Laura, Beta edition) Great job, guys, really enjoyed it :)

[@jimherzog4652]

I am not as learned as everyone's comment before me but,... Dang it the was GOLD!! Love d that it was not in my language [english].

[@snhc123]

Priceless!!! The best DUST film ever! :)

[@coryhaywood6420]

Forgive my ignorance...on 2nd view ing...the boat scene demonstrates what a person has to to have a private conversation "government sees and hears all." ...and didnt notice lady beatting rug action way in background...when our hero arrives at friend couples appartment building...the sound effect drove me bananas....we dont beat our rugs like that

[@kerrydmax67]

This was fantastic. Incredibly well acted, filmed and stages. And such a great story about the ridiculousness of government bureaucracy (at times). Thank you for a wonderful viewing experience.

[@rtpoe]

This film needs ALL THE AWARDS!

[@MsZeus49]

Loved this! Love potatoes to!

[@jacovawernett3077]

Excellent and relatable. Kudos.

[@PapilioArcturus]

I need to see full time film with these heroes! @Robert Kulenko, please continue the story, it's amazing. The actors are incredible Greetings from Greece 👽

[@bretmelton3823]

That was fun. To be the simple kind of man.

[@jpullen2415]

Hi Robert ... Yes, I too enjoyed your movie very much, an excellent production. All the way from Tasmania, on our 5 acres, for years my wife and I have been wondering what we should develop on our land there over the next few years ... in 20 minutes, you and your team of talented friends and colleagues may have provided the answer! A short landing strip and 2 acres of potato crops. Keep up the great work, and we are looking forward to your next release 🚀🌏🥔.

[@kajlauritzen9765]

Love it. And the music around 12.44, I think there is a reference to 'Close encounters of a third kind'. Well done.

[@robertskulenko1068]

Yes, a good catch. It's a deliberate reference. I wasn't planning on recording music, because we didn't have a budget for it, but one day I'm working on the sound in the sound studio and I hear barely audible saxophone noises coming from another room. It turns out friends of mine were recording some finishing touches to their album. They finished early so we came up with the concept for the music and recorded it on the spot.

[@corneliulucianrusu5642]

Absolutely delightful! I didn't know the Latvians had so much humor :) Excellent direction, wonderful actors.

[@SierraThunder]

This was created by the Monty Python's Flying Circus of Latvia, I can honestly think of no higher compliment for totally sideways humor & truly understated GENIUS !!

[@robertskulenko1068]

Thank you. I'm pretty sure my co-writer will engrave this on his tombstone sometime in the future, when the time is right.

[@Demun1649]

Brilliant film. The "little" people always suffer from the actions of the townies and the city-folk. I loved this, especially his "sensible" friend and his plans, good plans. So many questions to ask. I grow my own potaotes, and they do taste better than those of a stranger. WHY is that??

[@grammybear4226]

🐼 Big Bear Hugs from a 67 yr old grandma in Kirby, Texas, USA 🐼 🖤🖤🖤

[@oldladywiththepurplehair2721]

Government tried & tried to open the ship. Potato farmer knocked & he's let right in! Without potatoes life has no meaning. LOVED it! 🤣🤣

[@sarahgray430]

I think that part of what makes this film so charming is the unique Latvian sense of humour.

[@ConservativeCommonSense]

I loved it! The perfect amount of dry comedy, like a perfect dry martini! Also very silently hilarious spots, especially when those two were together, while one constantly spun the fidget spinner! Liked how they were both so nonchalant about the ship, but pissed about the russets! 🙃😉Top notch, all of you! Was all Truly top notch! Sincerely, big fan, no trollin!!! More please

[@domundtgregor6683]

beside the excellence of the whole story and everything, I really cracked when Juris showed up with all those ridiculous disguises and the two soldiers were like : "Seriously, dude?" before gently soving him away... plus 11:53 !

[@mojopeep326]

That was so awesome!!! My heart smiles after watching. Thank you.

[@jonathanmoore4837]

This is my best video ! Totally the best !

[@agathacamilladcruz4938]

WOW! Seriously, just WOW!

[@bigcity2085]

Pretty darned sarcastic sci-fi excellence here, for sure. Well done Roberts !

[@johncollete675]

Outstanding effort! I'll have to watch it again, thanks.

[@peterwinslow8329]

Sweet, lovely story. Beautifully acted! Keep writing! Keep producing! A sequel to this could be very FUN!

[@2010MOW]

Тот случай, когда спецэффекты дополняют качественный сценарий, а не подменяют его отсутствие. Диалоги главных героев шикарны!