For the 20th consecutive year, ShortsTV presents the Oscar-Nominated Short Films, opening on Friday, February 14-Sunday, March 2. With all three categories offered – Animated, Live Action and Documentary – this is your annual chance to predict the winners (and have the edge in your Oscar pool)! A perennial hit with audiences around the country and the world, don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. The Academy Awards take place Sunday, March 2.
Documentary Short Film
Approximate running time: 157 minutes plus 15-minute intermission. Recommended for 16+
Death By Numbers
Directed by Kim A. Snyder
Four years after being shot with an AR-15 in her high school, Samantha Fuentes reckons with existential questions of hatred and justice as she prepares to confront her shooter. 2024, U.S., DCP, 33 minutes.
I Am Ready, Warden
Directed by Smriti Mundhra
John Henry Ramirez is convicted of murder and sentenced to death in the state of Texas. During his incarceration, Ramirez tries to reach out to his victim's son while also preparing to say goodbye to his family. 2024, U.S., DCP, 37 minutes.
Incident
Directed by Bill Morrison
This compelling film reconstructs a 2018 police shooting in Chicago, reassembling the event and its immediate aftermath from a variety of sources including surveillance, CCTV, dashboard cams, and bod-worn cameras, a s synchronized split screen montage. 2023, U.S., DCP, 30 minutes.
Instruments of a Beating Heart
Directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki
First graders in a Tokyo public elementary school are presented with a challenge for the final semester: performing Ludwig van Beethoven’s "Ode to Joy" at the ceremony for the new incoming first graders. Ayame, who often struggles to keep up with the group, is determined to play a major part–the big drum. 2024, Japan, DCP, in Japanese with English subtitles, 23 minutes.
The Only Girl in the Orchestra
Directed by Molly O’Brien
This unsung hero story celebrates trailblazing musician Orin O’Brien and the double bass she plays in the New York Philharmonic. 2023, U.S., DCP, 34 minutes.