Described as a 'global search to discover up-and-coming writer/directors', Lexus and The Weinstein Company have been collaboratively dipping their toes into the short film pool for 4-years now. Looking to connect talent with industry professionals, the results of this filmmaking scheme has been somewhat of a mixed bag in previous years, so what's on offer in their third season of short films?

Short of the Week takes a look at the four films released in 2017 and lets you know whether they're worth your time:

FRIDAY NIGHT

Dir:Alexis Michalik

A heavy-handed drama about a shooting in a Parisian nightclub, Alexis Michalik's Friday Night follows an American mother in the capital city as she tries to track down her missing 18yr old daughter in the midst of the chaos. An undeniably relevant film, Michalik's short doesn't really add anything new to an already much explored discussion, and in all honesty probably comes a little too soon with the world still reverberating from recent events.

GAME

Dir:Jeannie Donohoe

A 17-minute short that manages to cover the hustle and bustle of high school Basketball tryouts, whilst also commenting on gender stereotypes in sport, Jeannie Donohoe's Game is a multifaceted short fronted by an outstanding lead performance. Director Donohoe has already impressed festival audiences with her previous short Lambing Season (which was named one of the 'Best Short Films of 2014' by Indiewire) and Game looks once again to impress by showcasing a distinct filmmaking voice.

MESSIAH

Dir:Damian Walshe-Howling

On the quest for spiritual enlightenment an enthusiastic Irishman believes he has witnessed a miracle in the Australian outback when he encounters an enigmatic stranger. Attempting to tackle religion in its 18-minute run-time, although Damian Walshe-Howling's Messiah is a fun ride, it's a journey that doesn't ever feel like it covers much ground and never really delivers the epiphany we were hoping for.

THE NATION HOLDS ITS BREATH

Dir:Kev Cahill

A bittersweet comedy about fatherhood and football, Kev Cahill's The Nation Holds its Breath marries meticulous production design with rhythmic comic timing to create a charming and captivating short. Just over 20-minutes in length, Cahill's is the longest short of the four, but that times flies by as you quickly become engulfed in the drama of the narrative and truly find yourself routing for the film's central couple.

Submissions for the 4th Season of films is now open, so if you have a film between 2 & 25-minutes that you believe 'exemplifies yourself as an innovative, creative filmmaking voice' you can submit here.