In a world where a large corporation has seized total control over the entire land, a small group of rebels, the Freelanders, are fighting to retain their freedom. Outnumbered and outlawed by the autocracies of the regime, the Freelanders struggle to keep their life together. Even basic tasks of securing essentials like medicines have become a challenge. Andy, a Freelander, who had ventured out to source medical supplies for the group is apprehended by the forces of Pinnacle corporation. The tribe must now take measures to secure his release. They must prepare for the worst during their encounter with the minions of the corporation as there is no other option for securing their supply of life-saving drugs. Meanwhile, Dana, the leader of the Freelanders is fighting her demons. As she puts together a posse to meet with the authorities, armed and ready for combat, she wishes that things would have been much different. She wishes that she did not have to carry the responsibility of an entire people on her weary shoulders. She pines that she could just get a good night’s sleep.
“Howitzer Tales: The Bogeyman’ is a short film by director Michael Gafner von Boettenberg. Micael creates the life in a post-apocalyptic rebel community with the adept use of set decorations that speaks volumes about the challenges facing the tribe. Attention paid to the details of the props pays back many times over by adding multiple layers to the imaginary world that is being created for the story. The constant ticking of the clock in the background adds a sense of urgency that sets the pace of the film and the viewer at the edge of his seat.
What will the future hold for us if we let the large heartless corporations continue to seize power over us? How long is it before the corporations overtake our governments or buy them out? Will we become Freelanders if we refuse to accept the authority of the corporations and even then, will they be the ones who decide how we live our lives? In the end, is all this worth more than a good night’s sleep?
