Minute Shorts is an intriguing amalgamation of technology and love for cinema. A video streaming platform that allows you to watch the best short films based on the time you have available, it was founded by Janvier Wete. Janvier grew up watching YouTube short clips and videos, so the filmmakers that have inspired hi the most are Khalil Joseph and Nabil Elderkin, and his favourite films include Until Quite Comes and Black Up by Khalil Joseph, Demolition Man directed by Marco Brambilla and Inception by Christopher Nolan. Today, he has eight years of experience in the film industry as a film producer and director. He has worked with some of the world’s biggest organisations, like Vice Media, Channel 4, Google and Apple, which eventually led him to create the unique Minute Shorts.
In conversation with him about the platform:
What led to or inspired the creation of Minute Shorts?
The idea of Minute Shorts came to me three years ago, when I had my short film L.I.F.E rejected at a big film festival. I discussed the event with many other filmmakers and I realised that there are plenty of great short films that don't get awards and accolades and, as a result, the recognition they need. I became motivated to create a platform that will host these great narrative short films that are often overlooked by established film festivals. And so Minute Shorts was created.
As a side note, The film L.I.F.E can be watched on our Minute Shorts app
Could you briefly take us through the process of creating the platform?
Like many other startup stories, it comes with funny and unlikely events, like meeting my co-founder, Julian Vifor on the online forum Quora, or signing the contract with our first developers early one Saturday after a New Years party, in a coffee shop in a nearby airport. The prototype of the app was released in May 2019. An improved prototype was released a year later after extensive demos with users and now we're working on the full version of the app as well as a desktop website, so people can enjoy the films everywhere.
What does your curatorial process in terms of the short films available on the platform look like?
We have a team who also work in the film industry and are aware of the latest trends in terms of both short films and feature films. We're also partnered with great organisations such as the British Film Institute (BFI), Spindle production company, the Sunday Shorts film festival and Film London, who provide feedback as well as some of the films. In terms of the process, we host events every couple of months on relevant topics. For example, we recently held an exhibition in London which looked at the summer of 2020, as it was experienced by people around the world. The films we pick are validated by a live audience who provide feedback. Then, the films are uploaded onto our platform.
What kind of challenges did you face or still face with Minute Shorts?
Two challenges come to mind. The first is the pandemic which changed the plans for many businesses. Our product was aimed at young commuters, of which there aren't many now. As a result, we have moved our film screening events and are working on a desktop website version, which will allow users to watch the short films on larger screens. The second challenge is dispelling the myth that narrative short films are edgy and artsy and only for a niche type of audience. Our events are now attended by people of various ages and backgrounds, so we're making progress in that sense.
Lastly, what is your vision ahead for Minute Shorts?
We believe that great films can be made by anybody. We also believe that a five minute film can make you laugh, cry or gasp in horror, just as well as a feature length one. We partner with production companies and independent filmmakers all around the world to always bring the best narrative short films. All you need to do is think ‘how much time you have available: 5,10,20 minutes’. With this in mind, I envision Minute Shorts becoming a leading global platform on which you can discover and watch great short films and talents like never before. So, if you’re a filmmaker that’s interested to have their films on our app, please get in touch with us on films@minuteshorts.co.uk.
