For the 17th consecutive year, Shorts HD and Magnolia Pictures present the Oscar-Nominated Short Films, opening on Feb. 25th. 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 27th.
Best Live Action Short Film
Program length: 122 minutes. Due to themes of racism, violence, and sexual assault, we recommend this program for 17+.
Ala Kachuu-Take and Run
Directed by Maria Brendle and Nadine Lüchinger
A young Kyrgyz woman is kidnapped and forced to marry. This is a drama about the desire for freedom in the clutches of a tradition. 2020, Switzerland/Kyrgyzstan, DCP, in Kyrgyz, English, German, and French with English subtitles, 38 minutes.
The Dress (Sukienka)
Directed by Tadeusz Lysiak and Maciej Šlesicki
A woman with limited hopes toils in a rundown motel in rural Poland as a maid. Will the repeated visits of an interesting truck driver change the loneliness of her situation? 2020, Poland, DCP, in Polish with English subtitles, 30 minutes.
The Long Goodbye
Directed by Aneil Karia and Riz Ahmed
Riz and his family are in the middle of a typical day in their home while a far-right march plays out in the television in the background. The march arrives at their front door leading to a devastating outcome. 2021, U.K./The Netherlands, DCP, in English, Urdu, and Arabic with English subtitles, 12 minutes.
On My Mind
Directed by Martin Strange-Hansen and Kim Magnusson
Henrik wants to sing a song for his wife. It has to be today, and it has to be now. It is a question of life, death, and karaoke. 2021, Denmark, DCP, in Danish with English subtitles, 18 minutes.
Please Hold
Directed by K.D. Dávila and Levin Menekse
A young man’s life is suddenly and inexplicably derailed, as he finds himself at the mercy of automated “justice.” 2020, U.S., DCP, 19 minutes.