“The short films … offer a vision of what the Academy Awards should and could be but very rarely are: eclectic, cosmopolitan, scrappy and surprising.” – A.O. Scott, NY Times

Burrow

Madeline Sharafian and Michael Capbarat (USA, 6 min.)

A young rabbit embarks on a journey to dig the burrow of her dreams, despite not having a clue what she’s doing. Rather than reveal to her neighbours her imperfections, she digs herself deeper and deeper into trouble.

Genius Loci

Adrien Mérigeau and Amaury Ovise (France, 16 min.)

One night, Reine, a young loner, sees among the urban chaos a moving oneness that seems alive, like some sort of guide.

If Anything Happens I Love You

Will McCormack and Michael Govier (USA, 13 min.)

Grieving parents struggle with the loss of their daughter after a school shooting. An elegy on grief.

Opera

Erick Oh (USA, 9 min.)

OPERA is a massive 8K size animation installation project which portrays our society and history, which is filled with beauty and absurdity.

Yes-People

Gísli Darri Halldórsson and Arnar Gunnarsson (Iceland, 9 min.)

One morning an eclectic mix of people face the everyday battle, such as work, school and dish-washing. As the day progresses, their relationships are tested and ultimately their capacity to cope.

PLUS A SELECTION OF ADDITIONAL ANIMATED SHORTS (from the shortlist)

The Snail and the Whale

Max Lang & Daniel Snaddon (UK/Germany, 26 min.)

Tells the story of a snail that strikes up an unlikely friendship with a humpback whale, situating herself on his tail and joining him on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Kapaemahu

Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer & Joe Wilson (USA, 7 min.)

The 1st ever Native Hawaiian short to make the Oscar Shortlist tells the story of four ‘mahus’ – extraordinary beings of dual male and female spirit who brought the healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii long ago.

To Gerard

Taylor Meacham (USA, 8 min.)

Follows the encounter between a man who sorts mail but dreams of becoming a magician and a young girl who develops her own dreams.