Sense of Smell

In a near-future society where synthetic scents have replaced natural ones, a young woman named Hana struggles with the loss of her sense of smell after an accident. She embarks on a journey to rediscover the authentic olfactory experiences of the past, encountering resistance from a world that has embraced artificiality. Her quest leads her to an underground community that preserves the knowledge of natural scents and the memories they evoke.

Sense of Smell was a modest indie darling, lauded for its unique premise and emotional depth. While its short runtime limited extensive character development, critics praised its thought-provoking exploration of memory, identity, and the human connection to the natural world. Audience reception was largely positive, resonating with themes of sensory deprivation and the search for authenticity.

• Praised for its imaginative concept and evocative atmosphere.

• Appreciated for its sensitive portrayal of loss and recovery.

• Some found the pacing a bit slow for its short duration.

Google audience: Viewers found the film to be a unique and touching experience, highlighting its creative exploration of scent and memory. Many appreciated the emotional journey of the protagonist and the film's subtle commentary on modern society's detachment from nature. Some viewers wished for a longer narrative to further develop the world and characters.

Nominated for Best Short Film at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

The film's sound design team worked extensively with perfumers to accurately recreate the imagined scents within the film's narrative, aiming for a multisensory experience for the audience.