This is the short film that inspired the theatrical film titled “KIN” that was released back in 2018.

Twist ending: "Sorry, mister, can't have any witnesses" ... BZAP!

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Wow. A lot of these short films leave you wanting more. The vision that the writers have is on another level for real.

This needs to be a movie.

Absolutely top notch. Thought it was going to have a cheesy ending, like taking the hood off and 'Daaaad...' (but you knew that didn't you lol). Excellent stuff, very nuanced - particularly young fella being so awkward with weapon - and more please!

Okay that was weird enough and well done. Good acting and the kid never opened his mouth. This director is going places and so could this story and I would definitely like to see more from this company.

Exceptionally well done. Simple, yet expressive story that--in just a few minutes--gives us enough information and exposition for the young man to be both sympathetic and empathetic (in the Aristotelian sense). The details of environment (photo of dad, exterior of the building, etc) paint a very understandable picture of home. The train ride and walk through the rural setting emphasize just how far he is from "home" in a very smooth and strong way. The scene with the owl was a wonderful insight (in the moment) to the fact that this young man wasn't interested in violence--which made his later (very decisive and deliberate) actions at the end all the more powerful. Though, to be fair, his strength of will was shown as he walked through the neighborhood. Design-wise, the monochromatic palette--except for a few select areas that are meant to stand out--works very well to create a sense of "normal, but not quite comfortable". The score is wonderfully subtle and supports the narrative exceptionally well. The choice to end as you did--with a question--rather than revealing the kneeling man, or showing any interaction--is an interesting choice. It works. But I'm also curious how the young man might do next. The only criticism I would offer is that the thumbnail gave away what's in the bag (classic case of the marketing department spoiling the movie in the trailer 🤭) Altogether, an exceptional piece, and a pleasure to watch. Keep up the good work.

Very awesome short, and I loved the atmosphere. I felt sympathy for the boy, too, not knowing exactly what he'd do... One issue is that the thumbnail for me gave away what was in the bag. :( So, I wasn't surprised there. However, I liked that ending, seemed hopeful. Being protective like that, no matter who was in trouble. ❤

"Bag Man", a 2014 short film by the Bakers, is a captivating cinematic journey that beautifully marries gritty realism with a hint of magical realism, all while pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling. The film presents an engrossing narrative seen through the innocent yet steely eyes of a 12-year-old African American boy. The opening scenes deftly lay the foundation of the story, introducing us to a rough-around-the-edges Harlem neighborhood, which serves as a stark contrast to the isolated tranquility of upstate New York where the rest of the story unfolds. The choice of locations subtly underscores the film's central theme: the stark dichotomy between urban strife and rural solace, childhood innocence, and the weight of responsibility. Our young protagonist's performance is a standout. His portrayal is both innocent yet imbued with a maturity beyond his years, making the audience instantly empathetic towards his plight. His determination to guard his mysterious duffle bag, the contents of which are unknown to us until the end, keeps the suspense alive, lending an air of intrigue that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. The cinematography deserves special mention, as it paints the two contrasting landscapes in vivid detail. The urban hustle of Harlem and the winter-ravaged woodlands of upstate New York serve as not just a backdrop, but an active character in the narrative. The Bakers' use of a subdued color palette accentuates the mood of the narrative, subtly yet powerfully contributing to the storytelling. One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its pacing. The gradual revelation of the young boy's intentions, paired with the slow unveiling of the bag's contents, builds a suspenseful rhythm that echoes the pounding heart of our young hero. The climactic reveal is both poignant and thought-provoking, forcing viewers to reconsider their assumptions and perceptions. But what makes "Bag Man" truly special is its delicate handling of serious themes like childhood, responsibility, survival, and sacrifice. Despite its short runtime, it leaves a lasting impact on viewers with its raw yet subtle storytelling. The Bakers have exhibited an incredible ability to convey deep emotional complexity within a compact narrative frame. In conclusion, "Bag Man" is a cinematic gem, a testament to the Bakers' storytelling prowess. It's a poignant journey of a young boy that resonates with viewers long after the credits roll, prompting introspection and conversation about the larger issues it touches upon. Don't miss out on this impactful piece of cinema.

What a great short film! My interpretation is that the father was a soldier for the army (see the picture on the wall at the start of the film), and that in this world, the army has future weaponry. I think that the father most likely died during combat, and were gifted his possessions afterward. My guess is that the gun was his fathers, and that he was trying to use the gun for training, so that he could one day grow up to be his father, and help in saving people. I think that in the ending, he was finally able to make his father proud.

I don’t understand why most commenters on these shorts give raving reviews, I assume they’re all film students. This wasn’t for me, I prefer films that explain the point, plot, moral or whatever the reason it was made. I don’t care for films where you have to fill in all the blanks. It didn’t explain anything, it looked good at least.

This is the second viewing for me.

Great story. Fun ending. Would love to see more of his adventures.

More questions than answers, facinating.

One of the top 10 best right here!

Great little story, but more than HALF of this short was the boy travelling from A to B. Eugh!!!

Wow!!❤❤❤

I very very much liked the "armed black man" theme, and how the weapon was used. I'm old enough to remember The Black Panthers, and this was quite refreshing. I'd love to see more films like this one, either short or long.

Kid shoots car. Bad guy: What are you? Kid: I'm bagman.

Now that’s a hell of a weapon. No evidence of any targeted victim left...

Really like this one, it’s natural in a weird way. Love dust

I liked that. I like the ending very much.

One of the best in Dust

Thanks, Dust.......and Bakers. That was pretty great.

I always think about that "Rifle".

love it

Lil' GANGSTA!

There is an interested short film in of “Bag Man”- The juvenile African American boy carried his mysterious bundle bag including the deadly giant futuristic rifle to smite the trouble making kidnappers and a hostage out so completely at last. It sounds so strange.

Maybe he is saving himself ???

the cinematography is excelent, wow!

Kin(2018) is awesome!I'm waiting for a sequel because the ending has cues for an insane universe.

Was not expecting that BFG. Anyone else see the backstory of a Denzel Washington film?

They made a movie from this short--but I heard it didn't work out very well.

loved it well put together

Core of a possibly good story. Who is/was the kids father, how did he acquire such an advanced rifle. Why did he go the same location as the, what appears to be, organized criminals dealing with one of their own. Who was Trunk Guy? His father? That would be an interesting twist. Gives me the vibe or a 2019 movie CAPTIVE STATE where ALIENS took over Earth and turned off power until governments surrendered and agreed to help them loot the Earth of resources in major cities like Chicago. A very under rated movie with John Goodman and a good cast/story that was an allegory of the French resistance in WW II. Show alot on Showtime during pandemic.

WHOA !!! Well, at least THAT was compelling though more questions than answers !

the big bang if he was his father , with last word (Dad!)

Great gun design...where he got from ...waas mystery....from which 👽 he got it.

Me when he made very slight eye contact to the camera or the train: “AHH HE SEES ME”

I certainly hope that we are capable of instilling a spirit of conscientiousness in our future generations because if we don't it's obvious that our Extinction would be right around the corner.

THIS SHORT FILM IS OVER 5 YEARS OLD - THEY ARE SHOWING AGAIN

Now there was an excellent short movie. Well done!!

100% greatness!

Related to KIN. I saw this a few years back. I had to see the full movie. Good movie!!!

Kin? Good short, this one is.

I saw this from a few years ago and there was a part 2 and a part 3. Interesting device? Wouldn't you say?

Oh man! This needs to become either a television series or a full-lengthened film! This is dope AND intense indeed! But I'm so undone by the cliff-hanger ending! Who is the man behind the head-covering? LOL! Thanks for sharing!!!

One word: Excellent! DVD:)

He saves and older version of himself.

This video is super cool they tricked me too, I thought he had a gun and then he pulled out a sci-fi blaster! I'm thinking Chicago, witch city ? must be Detroit with the woods!

The mobsters got a subscription to dust

That is so good Need more like that one

Wow! Loved that short!

If someone is holding a weapon and it’s winding up sounding like some kind jet turbine mixed with laser sounds just go head and drop your weapons 😅

Film is a bit slow and drawn out but the pay off in the end was great.

Great video but need the before and after now... Why does this feel so damn familiar? Where did he get the gun? Was that dad? Feeling like I've seen something very similar...

hope there is part two

That's a Centurion 8 Phase rifle, we have those in the Omega system. Humanity is banned from owning such tech.

That’s a biggun

Ah, the continuing decay of 'Murican English as a language.

Nice

Please put subtitle in portuguese

I loved it remind me of a movie called Kim

Yo let’s GO, this sht is fire, acting and atmosphere on point

Why arent the original dates shown for most of these shorts? Most were made 3-5 yrs ago...🍻

The real question is this. Is the bag man the man with a bag over his head, or is it the kid starting a silent crusade with his bag over the shoulders as he grows up?

I want one.

Reminds me of the movie Kin.

Where the heck would a kid in a densely populated area be able to get something like that? Also way too much atmosphere walking around and too little plot. I do get what you were trying to do, it was a bit too melodramatic. I still kinda liked it thought. Interesting concept.

Damn this is an old film, I remember watching this years ago

Great short film and great soundtrack.

There is a movie about this already.

Noice!

awesome short. enjoyed FIRST time around Dust 😉🙃

Something very similar happened to me once... *That his dad?

Speaking of getting Dusted.

School can wait 😂

que bueno tener una arma de esas

Years later, still one of my favorite shorts from this channel. The movie, 'Kin', wasn't half-bad, either, in my opinion.

Who did he rescue ?

fine.

Wow! That was a great short. By the way, I have seen this weapon in another movie before. Can´t remember it though. Hope to see more of this adventure. :) Greetings from Acapulco.

Pas mal du tout.le gosse a vite compris quil fallait tous les eliminer. Me demande si il a été en contact avec nos voisins spaciaux

Tips Fedora.

You can´t finish it like that without a second part....so upset

Не часто встретишь адекватную короткометражку, которую интересно пересмотреть, даже если уже видел её когда-то давно.

Liked that 🤗 Do another one 💥👋

Знакомый сюжет. Не помню названия, там тоже мальчик нашел такое же ружьё.

There was a time when sci-fi was posing problems about humanity, society, future, making people think and better understand themselves. Now it is just a show for a show, nothing more

No face reveal :(

"KIN prelude"

Wait, wait, hold up one sec. You see him climbing the stairs to the number one train and then it cuts to him on the Long Island railroad? Odd choice or a choice that no one from NYC would notice.

That was a great film! I hope you add more to the story to see how this young man grows

50 cent (selfdistrack)

Boy these corporations and policy enforcers hope I don't find nothing like this

A riveting, immersive experience. Hopefully just the intro to much more.

Wow!

Excellent!💖!

very good,, it has been a while since there was something this good here