Why Watch? Because some student films lead to iconic careers. We posted the trailer for the feature-length THX 1183 a few days ago, and it seemed only natural that we’d post up the student short film that led to its creation. As far as student films go, George Lucas defies all expectations. It’s strange sci-fi blended with experimentalism and a healthy dose of what seems like somehow anachronistic futurism. Looking back on this story trying to predict our dark future carries with it the kind of nostalgia that bubbles up when watching something like War Games. How quaint those computers, how little that generation might have realized where we’d be in a few decades. And yet THX 1183 4EB is timeless, even in its technology. See if you can spot all the style influences (because there are dozens). And for those wondering, the “EB” stands for “Earth Born.” More importantly, see if you can connect the student that made this short to the man who made Star Wars. The early alien seeds are there. What does it cost? Just 15 minutes of your time. Check out Electronic Labyrinth THX 1183 4EB for yourself:

The Library of Congress opens up its big mystical vault once a year to toss in 25 films that it deems worthy (by stirring old clapboards into a vat of rat blood and reading the star alignment). This year was a big year that honors some of the fallen members of the community – notably Leslie Nielsen, Blake Edwards and Irvin Kershner. Safely stowed away as important cultural documents, The Empire Strikes Back, Airplane!, and The Pink Panther join 23 other films that will be forever kept in the hearts of those who care to apply for a Library of Congress library card (a three-step process that includes a photo being taken). Check the entire list (which is littered with incredible movies) below: