If any one descriptor can be used to sum up 2017, "bizarre" would definitely be a top contender. From politics to show business, each day seemed to produce headlines straight out of The Twilight Zone.

In the midst of all the upheaval in 2017, many of us turned to speculative narratives for perspective, comfort, and escape.

It's a good thing it was an excellent year for independent science fiction and fantasy (SF&F) short films.

The year's genre shorts were produced by exciting filmmakers from across the globe. Like 2017, they were provocative, unpredictable, moving, and remarkable.

These are our picks - listed in no particular order - of 15 of the best SF&F short films of the year.

Lookouts