I am so glad I finally got to see this movie. A little background information why I am so glad: I reside in Germany and Airlords of Airia is a German project. I have been in contact with the people behind the movie since the beginning and got an invitation to the premiere, but could not make it, which vexed me no end.
But on with the facts concerning the movie:
Airlords of Airia is a crowdfunded short film by the German film maker Dirk Müller and his team. The whole movie is just over 12 minutes long. A full length feature is also planned but at the moment I do not know how far this plan has already been developed.
The story of Airlords of Airia is rather simple:
The background and universe of AoA is a transformed version of earth, some 3000 years after an apocalyptic event brought about by technology. Mankind has recovered and taken to the sky once more, in massive airships this time.
Airlord Karak, admiral of a fleet of airships, discovers a powerful ancient weapon during an expedition and, after conquering a naval base, plots to seize power of the Airia Republic and drag the entire continent into war. Deputy Lura, head of security of the republic, joins forces with a gang of smugglers to thwart his plans.
The plot is straight forward, fast paced and not without humour. One particular pearl is the fleet communictaion system installed on the Admiral’s airship: Phonepunk.
Special effects rely on CGI rather heavily and is beautifully done, with the exception of some of the people on the airship docking platforms, which lack detail.
Sometimes, the CGI backgrounds do not blend completely with the live action acting but given that this is not a major film studio production, it adds to the charm of the movie.
And talking of charm: The actors very obviously had a lot of fun during the making of this movie and it made me grin a lot.
Airlords of Airia is one little jewel of a steampunk short film. If you get a chance to see it, do it!
Eight out of ten Zeppelins!
And as a final note: Dragons!