Frankly, I try to avoid fantasies set in Medieval Europe or analogs of it, because it is such a tired cliché of the genre.

Still, if the story and characters are compelling enough, I am willing give almost any fantasy a look.

The German fantasy short, JAGON, is a sterling example.

Set in Europe in the 15th century, a saracen princess and her royal guard are being pursued through a mist-filled forest.

Lin Gothoni as the Princess || Image Credit: Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg

During her flight, the princess drops a precious relic that is tied to an ancient force.

When a hunter finds the relic and princess, he runs afoul of her sinister pursuers - and headlong into a conflict which will end with a spectacular manifestation of the unearthly.

Halit Dajdzo as The Hunter || Image Credit: Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg

Watch JAGON in its entirety here…

JAGON is produced by the German film school, Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, and directed by Murat Eyüp Gönültas (a.k.a. “M.E.G”.). The short is in German with English subtitles.

What makes this fantasy short so special is it tells a very engaging story complemented by great performances, lush production value, gorgeous cinematography, and cinema-level visual effects.

But among all those factors, the acting is what makes JAGON an outstanding fantasy.

Actor Halit Dajdzo has a gravitas perfect for the role of a world-weary jagon (which is old high-German for hunter and/or hunt) with a murky past. Lin Gothoni imbues her role as the saracen princess with an almost ethereal beauty and grace.

JAGON is further proof interesting characters and an engaging story can often overcome overused genre tropes and clichés.

Experience our official podcast Eye On Sci-Fi. Join host and The 7th Matrix founder Rod T. Faulkner as he spotlights terrific indie SFF short films and web series.

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