Sci-Fi Short Film "ZZZ" | DUST | Online Premiere

A widow tries to reunite with her deceased husband inside a dream. She turns to the illegal services of a 'Sleep Dealer' who sells hand-tailored dreams... And nightmares.
"ZZZ" by Felipe Vargas
Other Work by Felipe Vargas:
"Grapefruit & Heat Death" on DUST: • Sci-Fi Short Film: "Gr...
"Milk Teeth" on ALTER: • Horror Short Film "Mil...
Check out the behind the music video for the music of "ZZZ": • "ZZZ" Bolero Behind th...
Find Bolero's "El Sueño de Mi Vida" on your favorite music streaming service:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/1nFvzd...
Apple Music: / el-sue%c3%b1o-de-mi-vi...
Tidal: tidal.com/browse/artist/25225061
Amazon Music: amazon.com/music/player/album...
Connect with the Filmmaker:
/ zzzmovie
/ felipe_vargasf
/ zzzdreamworld
"ZZZ" Credits:
CAST
"Marcella" / Julieta Ortiz
"Ella" / Elena Rojas
"Chronic Kid" / Jamaal Avery Jr.
"Sebastian" / Eddy Martin
CREW
Director of Photography / Scott Siracusano
Production Designer / Abel Ryan
Editor / Rafael Souza
Music / David Murillo R.
Costume Designer / Kaylin Cassidy Riebli
Special Effects Supervisor / Luke Cahill
Visual Effects Supervisor / Stephen Burchell
First Assistant Director / Sherry Shi
Producers / Michael Lappen, Norris Palmer, Nick Scully
In association with Exile Content
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#DUST #scifi #shortfilm
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[@felipevargas5593]

Hey all - it's Felipe Vargas, writer and director of this short film ZZZ (pronounced Zees). You might know me from my past films MILK TEETH and THE GUIDE on Alter and Dust. This one was a real labor of love! Welcome to the dreamworld... Brought to life by an amazing cast and crew. Hit me with your thoughts and any questions on the film or behind the scenes! 💤

[@Busdathead]

Fantastic , really enjoyed it and how it was all pieced together ! Great cinematography !

[@mattmatthews5785]

this one kiinda hit home with me in the last 7 months I have lost my mom to old age, and a close personal female friend who was very near and dear to me, she Died younger the 40 and we had planned to get closer after she beat the cancer, I would love a chance to go and see both and tell them how much they are missed everyday of my life, So thank you for sharing this film and reminding us all just how we should enjoy the ones we love everyday. tomorrow is not promised so make the most of today

[@user-McGiver]

this one looks like a bad trip... and a way out... definitely drug related...

[@darkjinr0u]

Felipe, Great show my friend, very well done. Where did you get an idea for such an interesting film? I'd like to know more on the background as to why dealing in sleep is illegal. Where did you pull this delicious morsel of fantasy out of? Again, great movie, i'll check out Milk teeth and The guide next. I hope you have an awesome day.

[@baadtaste1337]

No complaint, but it si really more fantasy than Sci Fi ;-)

[@tanagra2]

Seventy year old ex military man (tough as my old boots) I cried a river. Thank you, great video.

[@drjeffbullock]

Love will do that to you

[@RMR1]

Well that was a breath of fresh air. After watching and reviewing several mediocre offerings on Dust lately, I was delightfully transfixed by this original and tender love story. Felipe Vargas's chops as a director were already apparent from his previous work, but he amps up the emotional -- and visual -- intensity in "ZZZ". Nearly as impressive is Vargas's script, with authentic dialogue, thoughtful characters and poignant imagery -- all with, believe it or not, NO exposition. In a short film, no less. Bravo, sir. And while the acting also gets high marks across the board, the biggest star here is the photography and visual effects -- the film uses a melange of texture, tone, color and light to craft a beautifully radiant, yet stark canvas on which the story plays out. The juxtaposition of richly colorful dreamscape with gritty, dark reality is jarring, as one would expect, yet no less effective. To the point where the visuals almost overtake the script as a whole. In the end, though, the story wins the day and keeps our attention (and then some), treating us to a touching, engrossing tale of love, loss, regret and redemption. Highly recommended. 4.7/5 stars.

[@divyajnana]

Wonderful! Acting, script, camera; color, sound, all great! Use of analog technology to recreate an elderly woman's memories is a poignant touch. Just Wonderful!

[@matthewdenckla6567]

A gem on Dust! Thanks for the poetry and this story!

[@ruben77]

This the best Dust has uploaded in a long time. Wonderful short in every sense.

[@laurentdeleeuw8163]

simply excellent story and nice shooting, actress is also outstanding.

[@b-radsadventures6846]

Quality is off of the scale. Lovely short.

[@lunainezdelamancha3368]

Sometimes, I do want to stay in one of my dreams too... excellent short!!👍👍

[@Best-mx2of]

You can live an entire existence in a dream. Time is different there. The best virtual reality, full immersion.

[@theworldrealm72]

Very well done, sweet story, and well told. If I were in her shoes, I would have done the same thing.

[@shirley_valente]

This was great! I don’t blame her for wanting to escape reality and stay in the dream. ❤

[@glennkrieger]

This was simply excellent. Not just the acting and the story line, but the editing. Some of the best editing I've ever seen. Just a great job.

[@patricklee5239]

A truly touching film. Well done Mr. Vargas and crew!

[@marcd1981]

One of the best I've seen on this channel, very well done, and thank you for posting it.

[@nominou6]

Very nice short film. Some of the scenes has a Jeunet and Caro's "Delicatessen" touch. To DUST : Could you please remove the loud "Subscribe to Dust" voice at the end ? Very often, as with this movie, it prevents the unwrapping of the feelings the movie carried over by cutting sharply into the mood.

[@ljohnson820]

Doesn't bother me.

[@TheDavidJonestown]

That was beautiful. There was poetry in it and you took risks like the cut away to other dreamers that worked by suggesting we all have desires thwarted. And the acting was first rate. Congrats! 😊

[@bobberndt9744]

Excellent !! The dream almost becomes a Nightmare but, as we all know, Love ❤️ conquers all. 😘

[@atlantic_love]

This one is thought provoking, loved it!

[@SynthoidSounds]

Unique concept, very well done. An interesting story that did not have to rely on exotic CGI to create a compelling experience, the actors were all spot on with their performance. Congrats to DUST for including this in their ever expanding catalog of content, even though it strays a bit from their core sci-fi theme.

[@lzlzlzlzlzlzlzlzlz1]

A piece of art! The sequence of scenes is seamless and the flow of the plot is truly undisturbed; I loved it! The colors are also stunning! Congratulations to everyone involved! 🎉🎉🎉

[@SILSAL67]

"This is safe, right? Safe enough!" Famous modern day words.

[@peterruiz6117]

If not for my very vast dream world, I would barely claim to be alive . This movie sounded loud in me.

[@durasaxon5131]

Beautiful film. Love never dies if you hold onto the memories. Only a bad waking and real life occurence can scuttle the origin. It happens in the awake hours when vicious replaces the origin and real reality sets in. Other realities hold onto their truth. Love is eternal but lies and deceit also have a life of their own when exposed. This love story held a beautiful scene. _____ ✝️ _____

[@DaleWheeler]

Good acting and special effects. Sad and happy at the same time. Unique. 👍

[@Dennnis10B]

When you have talent, you have tale..This is definitely your calling..Have a great day. 😊

[@leannaerickson9745]

Really beautiful, and most of what I would say is in other's comments, so let me just say, that I love the thought given to the mid-twentieth-century sets, especially the lovely old-fashion radio. So much tender nostalgia. Thank you.

[@gofox-hr6sw]

Everything about this film is Beautiful. I cried my eyes out. Oscar worthy Actors❤

[@CharlesSmith-io9fp]

That hit hard.

[@kirtywright1974]

What a beautiful and yet tragic story of love. I absolutely loved this! This was so well done!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 The acting was off the charts! This felt more like a movie, and has all the potential to be a major blockbuster! Thank you for sharing😊 The young boy is going places! What a natural!😊 Loved❤ What a wonderful production!👏🏼👏🏼

[@unclealbert3118]

Top notch. Excellent editing and music. The pacing was perfect. While ultimately a sad story, it was very intriguing.

[@shivercanada]

Beautiful, very moving!

[@teresachavez.a2zen]

Loved this!!!

[@patriciafaithfull6360]

Excellent!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@FAMUCHOLLY]

Very well done! I wish it were longer... Thank Senor Vargas!

[@aieshahannah9743]

Golden treasure to have watched a diamond of a story. Well done and will be remembered in the core of the mind

[@maxbuchanan7]

Exquisite, well directed, excellent acting....very captivating ❤

[@sunnyday237]

Amazing job Thanks for the hard work

[@DefinitelyFake]

So this is how Oompa Loopers are made?!

[@rickbuell8996]

Well done! I'd like to see more!

[@dreadstartheunholy]

This reminds me of an episode of Lexx called "Patches In The Sky." Guy had a space station and sold dreams.

[@sortasurvival5482]

Wow. This reminds me of the little matchstick girl for some reason. Loved it.

[@drgeoffangel5422]

A masterpiece all round, riveting and unexpected, brilliant acting and original premise!

[@TimmyMoza]

I loved this story. Timeless and so engaging. Well done everybody. Still teary eyed 5 mins later…

[@greyareaRK1]

Beautifully done.

[@flyswryan]

iMuchas gracias!

[@grandiruka44]

The song they dance on El sueño de Mi Vida - David Murillo R.

[@seenofruit]

Well done!

[@Jerbies_Kimmers]

Hearbreaking. Really good though 🙂

[@vilmil9781]

Excellent Story

[@grumpyoldretiredcop8382]

Packed a lot of power into a few minutes. Well done!

[@MorganMghee]

Amazing 🎉

[@lightcapmath2777]

Excellent! many thanks DVD:)

[@kurtweiand7086]

This was orignal, well acted, and well filmed! Good job!

[@wilmaboot]

Loved it. Superb. ❤

[@thereallindadorsett]

This is so amazing❤❤❤❤

[@saintfrancisthemenace]

Beautiful

[@casinodelonge]

That was excellent, well done to all involved.

[@2UncleRon]

Bravo! Bravo!!

[@KK-eh2gm]

Great story & presentation.

[@waynesorrell2655]

After seeing some of your shorts I noticed you do have this beautiful ambiance going on that I really dig. Beautiful but eerie. This short did make my eyes water. Stunning work all around here. Is this short something you'd want to see made into a feature film?

[@AmelityshTV]

Me when I fall asleep

[@kurtdnelson9653]

It was so damn believable I started to nod off like I was in the dream during the music the gental breeze then the wind picked up and i felt a sense of urgency, powerful wow. The beginning of the dream i thought 🤔 it was going to be a horror movie, what a play on emotions and the senses excellent!!!😍😎

[@cpuuk]

Simple story told very well.

[@LeppieLaddie]

Very good work! 🍀

[@fupston824]

A beautifully realised story.

[@okancanarslan3730]

Nice movie

[@ankie7180]

loved it

[@alanw737]

I like this one.

[@Agnus78]

It will be possible in the future. Sad, happy future for humans.

[@VixenVoice]

How would I get started if I wanted to learn how to do this? Thanks, any tips on resources to check out would be appreciated.

[@bobbiebell8498]

A+

[@koolpapabell1]

That was good

[@missnikki8927]

It’s like an opium den

[@6677srevihs]

such a sad story 10/10

[@Finesse143Queen]

❤️

[@unnamed_channel]

@felipevargas5593 Reminds me of Flatliners (1990) and The Monkey's Paw.

[@ericerian1811]

M orph is a [nightmare] or good / [BAD] dream for us. Just take it for granted! ⚓ o noOO

[@lucasvidana8236]

Intro: Building - Doctor Sleep. Stephen King. A spritz of, Lost with a twist of an furtistic novela.

[@fjdarling]

A sad little story. Escaping reality using drugs.

[@big1boston]

A film about Micronesia?

[@AndresMartinez-zo5lk]

But is it a happy ending? She will ever be stuck in a dream even when she is awake in the real world? What will happen to her after....... big like from me

[@eddieluceroii3411]

First! Pinned plssss 😘

[@Yuefei2]

Someone needs to explaing the end to me. She fell asleep again? Or did she die?

[@freddymontiel2170]

She died...!!

[@dumbassloser]

This is one of the best I've seen. I actually understand it. It's not so dry and sort of vapid like other sci-fi. It has meaning and substance.

[@albertchehade9916]

It can never be.......

[@Finesse143Queen]

Ohh how i wish this was for real! With the way the world 🌍 is evolving and the way the technology is "✌Technolog'ing️✌️" 😂 iht probably wont be too far away bfore were able to do things like this !! We already have Astro projection and some (including myself) already know how to "✌️Lucid Dream✌️" as well ! Guarantee this type of thing will truly be amazing and one of the biggest money making things and Considering this is Earth 🌎 (nt even just a single state or Country: people everywhere and anywhere will more then likely find some type of way to defile and or delute the main objective or reasoning for the particular process and use iht for any and everything else other than it's main objective and screw it up for everyone else!!! 😑 ❌👎❌😒

[@Morbius1963]

Dust ain't scifi so much as relationships against a backdrop of scifi. Mostly love lost. Tiresome.

[@PandaMoolin]

im subscribed and get zero alerts... marked to all on alerts....

[@thomassecurename3152]

Lighting is an issue. Visual trickery in not an enhanced experience.

[@johnholmesinchesahead342]

Zeds in proper UK English.

[@djmaestrollp8llc122]

DEPS LLC I II

[@djmaestrollp8llc122]

(2)

[@lightningrose3654]

So the woman forced her husband to stay up late despite having to work the next day. He dies at the wheel because he falls asleep because of the late. Her kids stop talking to her for years. And his death is somehow not her fault?! It is 100% her fault. And not to mention she decides to stay in her dream instead of making up to her kids and meeting her grandson for the first time.

[@landru27]

I would say rather that "his death is not her fault" is the fantasy that Marcella wishes for and becomes trapped in. Note that just prior to when Sebastian says "It's not your fault," Marcella says quite specifically, "I have to go back to reality -- make things right with them." Just prior to that, she acknowledges out loud her role in what happened, her blame for it, and the resulting distance between her and her children. Marcella in fact *decides to leave* ... and she _almost_ breaks free of the seductive fantasy of the manufactured dream. Thus, I took it as a tale precisely about the dangers of wallowing in fantasy.

[@Windrider6]

This video was OK up until the 10 minute mark. Then it became incomprehensible crap.

[@ireallyreallyhategoogle]

Nice, very nice

[@tanagra2]

Seventy year old ex military man (tough as my old boots) I cried a river. Thank you, great video.