If the first Short of the Week in-real-life event was a proof-of-concept, the followup, held this past Thursday in Brooklyn, taught us the idea has legs.

With science fiction story-lines and topics of sexuality proving to be big discussion starters here on Short of the Week, it would have seemed like an opportunity missed if we didn't speak to emerging filmmaker Connor Hurley about his short film The Naturalist. Based around concepts of genetically altering sexual orientation and set in an unspecified dystopian future, we talked to the director about the influence of existing work on his narrative/tone and looked at how he went about creating a timeless aesthetic for his film: It's hard not talk about The Naturalist without first looking at the concept - where did the idea for the narrative come from? I remember I was probably around 12 years old, pursuing both my passion for filmmaking and facing questions of my own sexuality.

Award season is here, and so is our annual Short Awards! Explore the 20 nominated films and cast your vote for the Audience Choice award.