Sundance One to Watch: Short Term 12

While some say Sundance has sold out to corporations and "The Man," it is still one of the world"s premiere venues for discovered filmmakers and up-and-coming talent.

Short films are a great place to start when you're looking for the next big thing and we found one today.

Destin Cretton, writer-director of Short Term 12, has created a riveting story about life inside a residential housing facility for kids who have been abused and neglected. The short stars Brad William Henke (Choke, October Road) as the facility's supervisor, and his daughter, Phoenix Henke, as one of the troubled children being housed.

Henke decided to take on the role because it was so close to his real life: Phoenix used to live in an identical facility before being adopted by the Henke family. Brad insisted on her inclusion in the film and Phoenix delivers a moving, striking performance of profound honesty. Adam Shapiro (The House Bunny), as the center's newest counselor, is both hilarious and grounding and Brad offers a portrayal of subtle vulnerability and gurgling resentment that is captiviating.

Cretton is an assured filmmaker whose twenty-two minute effort is one of the best, most promising pieces of storytelling we've had the pleasure of watching in a long time.