The Shorts!

You still have time to catch the Shorts in a theatre near you! Don’t miss out on a piece of the Oscars - and see my predictions at your own competitive risk!! I’ve been watching the Oscar nominated shorts for years and this batch is truly one of the best! Here is my quick take on all three categories.

Live Action Shorts

My initial thought about this year’s batch of live action shorts, starting with “The Neighbor’s Window” is that it’s so interesting what ends up on the short list. Having now made my first short film myself and in the process of the 2nd, one can dream right? It seems as if anything really has a shot. And dare we forget the year the student film, “God of Love” won? That was a great moment, right?

Not being what it seems is always good for getting in, RE: “A Neighbor’s Window,” a seemingly odd choice, despite being directed by Academy favorite Marshall Curry!) until around the end of the film, when the story takes a turn. It’s a good short…one of the best and the only one in the English language…not that it really matters. The Academy is not an American institution despite their show airing on ABC.

Another theme that often shows up in Oscar nominated films is war. With “Brotherhood” we get to see a part of the Syrian civil war story that I have yet to see in a film.  A companion piece to the horrors in “For Sama” with an ending that will break your heart.

NEFTA Football Club is fine…but I honestly saw better films that I didn’t program in the Oxford Film Festival.

When I first started watching “Saria,” I thought…yes, this is the winner here…but when the action shifts it feels very abrupt despite great performances from the young actors.

Finally, there is “A Sister,” which has a fantastic premise. This may actually be my favorite of the bunch, and I usually vote that way when predicting. But it doesn’t seem like an Academy pick to me, and it goes on a bit too long.

My fave: A Sister
Prediction: Brotherhood

Documentary Shorts

I began the Documentary Shorts with Netflix’s “Life Overtakes Me.” First off, Resignation Syndrome is something I had never heard of and watching the film - seems completely devastating. I found myself going to google to learn more because it all seemed so strange. The film addresses head on the question some may have that syndrome might be fake…an attempt to allow families a chance at a longer or permanent asylum. I began to question the validity myself…which I believe the film expects from the audience. When I saw the Netflix logo, I wondered immediately if this film might win, but in the end this film seems to leave you wondering…not advocating. Not the type of film that usually wins the category.

“In the Absence” is a brilliantly constructed film that almost immediately makes your mouth drop and your blood boil. Watching the real time fiasco of the sinking South Korean Sewol ferry is utterly heartbreaking. Watching the families unable to be fully present for the discovery of the bodies…and the policewoman also crying as she is doing as told…so sad. I haven’t seen them all, but I would certainly consider this one of the best documentaries of the year short or feature

“St. Louis Superman” is the first MTV documentary to be nominated for an Oscar. After his brother is murdered by a white cop and the unrest in Ferguson, MO, rapper turned activist Bruce Franks runs for office, and actually makes change! This is a simple documentary with something very important to say.

As much as I might enjoy the New York Times, I’ve never been much of a fan of their recent batch of documentaries. They have had a few contenders up for Oscars in the past, and “Walk Run Cha-Cha” has a very similar aesthetic to those other films. The camera observes, utilizes rehearsal style close-ups with voice overs. It’s a fine film, but has so little to say. Especially after watching “In the Absence.” That’s the tough part about watching all of the films at once in the context of competition.

The final doc short I watched was the most hopeful of the bunch, “Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (if you’re a girl).” As much as I absolutely love “In the Absence,” this film is the real standout amongst the group mostly due to that hopeful tone. Very reminiscent in style to last year’s winner “Period. End of Sentence.” That being said, it goes on way too long and has some pacing issues.

Sure…most people are going with “Learning to Skateboard,” but what fun would it be to go hive!

My fave and my prediction: In the Absence

Animated Shorts

The animated short category is stacked with interesting films. Definitely the strongest batch of animated shorts in years.

The most fascinating thing about this category is how hand drawn animation and claymation have now become innovation. “Sister” is so wonderful and creative with its use of animation and simple story. Same with “Daughter,'“ which says so much without words. These films are the antithesis of the big budget Pixar/Disney movies…and their emotional impact can be even more powerful than what is being done digitally.

“Kitbull,” also delightfully hand drawn, is such a sweet tale about an unlikely pair who become friends. Couldn’t we all use that type of connection in the world today?

Speaking of connection, “Memorable” tells a story of dementia in the most lovely way.

Which leaves us with Sony’s “Hair Love.” Similarly to “Learning to Skateboard” in doc short, this film really stands out amongst the pack. If I was voting myself I would have a hard time not going with “Daughter,” but honestly, all of these 5 are deserving.

My fave: Daughter
My prediction: Hair Love