Si (trailer) from Martin Ponferrada on Vimeo.

directed by:
Martin Ponferrada
written by:
Martin Ponferrada
genre:
Drama

by WILL CONRAD

 It all starts at a bar as so many casual encounters do - a few drinks and a chance meeting with a guy or gal that you click with. For Anita, her meeting Carlo was a welcome addition to the night, and the two hit it off quickly. Carlo is learning a new language, and Anita is more than happy to help him with the ins and outs - English really is a tough language to learn. Of that, there's no question.
 As sometimes things do in such situations, the two leave the bar together and end up at Anita's place - exchanging small talk waiting for the inevitable to happen over a few more drinks. The conversation turns towards roofies and being "roofied" in an innocent enough way - but the results of this off-hand comment gets quickly change the course of the night for these two consenting adults. The remainder of the film explores sexual consent between men and women - and the damages that can be done for both parties when someone has that choice taken away. It's all very matter of fact with the presentation, but the implications are explored quite well. "Sí" is not afraid to talk about things we generally don't speak of aloud, and the fact that the conversation in this film is between virtual strangers - makes it all the more interesting. Perhaps not for everyone but for me? This was a great short exploration of often taboo topics.

  "Sí" looks and sounds great. It's not over the top visually and relies on the story and talent of the cast to sell the flick—nothing gimmicky, nothing outright flashy. The truth is that the content itself is pretty deep and could easily light the spark for more than a few good conversations. It's quick and to the point - the hallmarks of good filmmaking. One thing I did notice, and couldn't help thinking about, was that there were times in this short film where "Sí" felt a lot like one of those information videos you would see in school. The conversation between Anita and Carlo had an almost educational quality to it. This is most definitely not a slight in any way, merely an observation. The points raised in this film are one hundred percent true - so far as I'm concerned, and Ponferrada's film really makes you stop and think.
 When it's all said and done, "Sí" does what it sets out to do in style. It's entertaining, well-acted, and doesn't take a significant time commitment - it's only around eight minutes long! So for those eight minutes, viewers can expect an intelligent short film that delivers the goods. Well done - four stars.