Column: Weekly Web Watch; Cinematic anarchy fills the Atomfilms archive

Where can you find the touching tale of a lost cane toad, a valley girl Jedi and a foulmouthed teddy bear all in the same place?

Well yes, of course you can find them on the Internet; but I’m looking for something more specific here.

The correct answer is Atomfilms, a charming Web site that offers some of the best of online cinema – completely free.

The site has literally hundreds of short films that you can check out, far too many for me to give you much detail. Instead, let me just run through a few of the highlights.

The Star Wars Fan Film Contest: It’s no secret, Star Wars fans are a rabid breed. Every year people from around the country contribute short fan films to Atomfilms in an attempt to win cash prizes and great prestige.

Some of my favorites from this category include Anakin Dynamite, “For the Love of the Film” and the classic “Star Wars Gangsta Rap.”

“Ninja, the Little Ninja,” is a 12-part series about a small boy with great martial arts prowess. His struggles against the evil baron include some great, stylized artwork and beautiful music.

Speaking of fun, animated martial arts madness, search for “Tedi,” and be treated to a hardcore eighties-style martial arts tournament featuring a butt kicking teddy bear.

A wide variety of movies are available in genres including comedy, drama, action and others. No matter your taste, you can find something on Atomfilms.

Shorts featured on Atomfilms range from family friendly to extreme. Warnings will let you know where the mature ones are located. Go to www.atomfilms.com and check them out.

Steve Shinney is a junior majoring in computer science. Comments can be sent to him at

steveshinney@cc.usu.edu.