Saara Cantell proposes and discusses alternative ways of approaching short film. This book emphasizes short film as an independent and challenging cinematic art form of its own right. The "mystery" of short film is approached by examining the aesthetics of other short forms, The structural parallels between e.g. jokes and short films, as well as narrative strategies found in poetry, offer meaningful references.

The research consists of both the analysis of selected short films and the five short films directed during the research process. Research questions are deeply rooted in the practice of film-making and developed during the productions of five short films included in the dissertation.

Saara Cantell is a Finnish filmmaker. She has directed several short films and TV-series as well as two feature films.