Prof Gustav is featured in the book SHORT FILMS A Non-Exhaustive List Of Highly Creative Shorts edited and published in Las Vegas, NV, United States through the short films Operacion Banana (1, 2 and 3) Dawn of Spectral Darkness (1 and 2 ). Available on Amazon.

Synopsis

Local-ized is a heartwarming comedy set against the backdrop of Singapore's vibrant and culturally diverse landscape.

The story follows Boss, a recent lottery winner, who establishes FARC (Formulas and Antidotes Research Center) with the ambitious goal of developing a virus repellent.

Boss's eccentric team includes William, the emotionally unstable lead researcher, Olga, a brilliant and beautiful scientist, Lydia, the eager young intern, and Sam, the reliable "go-to" guy.

Boss makes the unconventional decision to hire Professor Gustav, a quirky scientist known for his peculiar virility formula.

Gustav's arrival in Singapore marks the beginning of a series of comedic cultural clashes and misunderstandings.

He struggles with simple tasks, gets lost on public transport, and misinterprets local customs, creating chaos wherever he goes. Meanwhile, back at the lab, tensions rise as William grows increasingly jealous of Gustav's position and Olga's apparent interest in him.

Consumed by his envy, William sabotages Gustav's work, hoping to discredit him and reclaim his former role as team leader. As Gustav grapples with his new environment and the challenges of his research, he also finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Olga. They embark on a series of awkward yet endearing encounters, further fueling William's resentment.

During a weekend outing to Coney Island, Gustav gets lost, prompting a search party and revealing his unusual fear of getting lost near water. The incident draws Olga closer to Gustav. Back at the lab, Lydia uncovers evidence of William's sabotage, revealing his deceitful actions to Boss and the team.

William is fired, leaving the team to rally around Gustav and support his efforts to complete the formula. Gustav, inspired by William's unintentional contribution to his work, advocates for William's inclusion in the patent and his eventual return to the team, an act that showcases Gustav's kind heart. Gustav successfully completes the formula for Virepell, the virus repellent, but it has an unexpected side effect.

Upon applying the spray to himself, it creates an odor only women can perceive and it is also very repulsive to them. This was also a side effect from the virility formula, but in reverse, hence, his motivation in researching it was his desire to get away from women. The story culminates with the overwhelming success of Virepell and a celebration of the team's achievement.

The characters experience personal growth and reconciliation. Boss learns the value of family and his team. Gustav finds acceptance and makes meaningful connections despite his eccentricities. William confronts the consequences of his actions and starts working on his own redemption by acknowledging his flaws and embracing a second chance. Olga, after navigating through some difficult and inexplicable emotions and impulses, develops a genuine romantic connection with William, finally finding a sense of belonging. The film's ending celebrates Virepell's success while highlighting how this motley crew, once defined by their differences, manages to find harmony and make a real contribution to the world