Short Film AFIN 287
HUMAN RESOURCES
Directed by 
Joel Stephen Fleming
AFIN 2025 Nominee
- 2025
- 10m
-
Australia - English
- M
- Horror
- Comedy
Stills
4 frames
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Credits
Produced by
Starring
Synopsis
A struggling musician’s first ‘real job’ is revealed to be a corporate nightmare, where employees are forced to feign happiness or end up as prey to their evil boss.
Director's Statement
"Human Resources" is a dark, satirical exploration of the modern workplace, blending elements of horror and comedy to critique corporate culture. The film delves into the psychological and emotional toll that toxic work environments can have on individuals, using the fantastical and grotesque to highlight the absurdity and horror of such settings. At its core, "Human Resources" is a story about identity, autonomy, and the struggle to maintain one's humanity in the face of dehumanising corporate practices. Blake's journey from a disillusioned café worker to a desperate corporate employee encapsulates the universal struggle of finding meaning and balance in one's professional life. His interactions with the monstrous figure of Jacqueline serving as a metaphor for the predatory nature of corporate entities that consume and exploit their employees. We hope that viewers will leave the film with a renewed sense of awareness and a commitment to fostering healthier, more humane workplaces.
What makes this one special
Director's Biography
Joel Stephen Fleming Director
Joel is an award-winning filmmaker from Brisbane, Australia, with a slate of feature films and series projects currently in development with Screen Queensland.
These Include Horror/Comedy Followers, Continuance Pictures, slated to commence production November 2025 and Action/Drama Fighting Spirits, Wirrim Media currently in development.
Their work as a writer has seen them connect with some incredible industry mentors. During a Screen Australia funded development of their television project, The‘C’ Word, Joel worked alongside Creative Producer and current Head of Scripted at SBS, Julie Eckersley (The Family Law, SBS) and seasoned Screenwriter Roger Monk (Nowhere Boys, STAN).
In 2024, Joel co-directed Outpost which was officially selected at Darwin International Film Festival. Their latest short film Voyager was just officially selected at the Beverly Hills Film Festival this April.
Recently, one of Joel's previous short film works Night Fill was picked up by Screambox to be part of the subscription platforms 'Bloody Bites' section, for short horror content.'
In 2025 Sian and Joel (13th Street Films) have received production funding from Screen Queensland for their comedy series AUSTR-ASIAN co-created by and starring Shuang Hu (@theoneshu).
Trailer
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HUMAN RESOURCES was an official Nominee for Best Short Film at the AFIN International Film Festival 2025, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
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