Hiding Places (2026)
Story overview
In this 13-minute experimental short film, women camouflage themselves as rocks in a surreal military setting where combat operations are disguised as art classes. The story follows one woman who abandons this deceptive system to seek a more profound, radical form of self-erasure or transformation. The film explores themes of identity, conformity, rebellion, and the blurring lines between art and warfare through abstract, metaphorical visuals.
Parent Guide
A short, abstract film with philosophical themes and surreal imagery. Minimal traditional plot; focuses on visual metaphors about identity, deception, and rebellion. Suitable for mature pre-teens and teens who can interpret symbolic content. Younger children may find it confusing or dull.
Content breakdown
Implied military context but no depicted violence. Tension from the deceptive setting and the act of desertion. Peril is psychological/situational rather than physical.
Surreal, slightly eerie tone due to the premise of humans as rocks and disguised warfare. Might be unsettling for sensitive viewers due to its abstract, cryptic nature. No jump scares or horror elements.
Minimal or no dialogue expected in this experimental short. No offensive language indicated.
No sexual content or nudity suggested by the overview. Focus is on conceptual themes.
No substance use indicated.
Intellectual and emotional intensity from themes of identity loss, deception, and radical choice. The 'unselfing' concept could provoke deep thought or mild anxiety about selfhood. Not emotionally overwhelming but thought-provoking.
Parent tips
This is an avant-garde, conceptual short film with minimal dialogue and abstract storytelling. It's not a traditional narrative but uses visual metaphors to explore deep themes. Best suited for older children and teens who can engage with symbolic content. The military/art premise might confuse younger viewers. The 'unselfing' concept involves philosophical ideas about identity that require mature interpretation. No explicit content is indicated, but the surreal tone could be puzzling or mildly unsettling for some.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- Did you see any people in the movie?
- What shapes did you see?
- Was it like a game of hide-and-seek?
- Why do you think the women were pretending to be rocks?
- What is 'art class' in the movie really about?
- How did the woman feel when she left?
- What is the movie saying about pretending or hiding?
- How can art be used in surprising ways?
- What might 'unselfing' mean in real life?
- Analyze the metaphor of military operations as art education.
- Discuss the philosophical concept of 'unselfing' and its radical implications.
- How does the film critique systems that disguise control as creativity?
Where to watch
Streaming availability has not been announced yet.