VOTED ONE OF THE “THE BEST SHORT FILM FESTIVALS IN THE WORLD 2022” BY MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE! Shortsfest is an Oscar®-qualifying film festival recognized as one of the premier short film festivals in North America. Each April enthusiastic audiences, filmmakers and special guests from around the globe gather to participate in public screenings, panels, workshops, and other festivities that spotlight the art and craft of short moviemaking. Following in the tradition of Oscar® success, in 2020, Shortsfest’s Daughter by Daria Kashcheeva, and Sister by Siqi Song were both nominated for Best Animated Short Film. Additionally, the 2021 Shortsfest Comedy award-winner, Affairs of the Art, is nominated for a 2022 Best Animated Short Film Academy Award®.
While the first six films in this family-friendly program of animated films are appropriate for viewers of all ages, parents are advised that Footsteps on the Wind, In Nature, and Mum Is Pouring Rain explore themes of loss and hardship, LGBTQ+ relationships, and mental health and wellness.
CAT AND BIRD
Two opposing animals– cat and bird – have an encounter. They meet, sniff one another, and get familiar with each other. (FRANKA SACHSE, GERMANY, 8 MIN)
SMILE
GroM wakes up one morning to find that his mouth is stuck in a sour face. His friend LobO comes visiting and together they embark on a journey to find GroM’s smile. (JONAS FORSMAN, SWEDEN, 7 MIN) US PREMIERE
A CARTOON OF A SLEEPING CAT
A 7-minute comedy which unfolds entirely in one shot. As the story gets more and more chaotic, one big question looms: Will the cat ever wake up? (RANDALL SCOTT CHRISTOPHER, US, 8 MIN)
AERONAUT
Ten-year old Kevin, has grown up with a tyrannical father. He dreams of becoming a pilot and leaving it all behind him. (LEON GOLTERMAN, NETHERLANDS, 2 MIN) US PREMIERE
CAT AND MOTH
Meet Ditto, a fluffy white cat. The universe seems out to get her as she tries to find the most comfortable spot to take her nap. (INDIA BARNARDO, CANADA/UK, 7 MIN)
SHE DREAMS AT SUNRISE
Gerry has a monotonous, daily routine led by her optimistic great-nephew and caretaker. Although he tries to make Gerrysmile, she’s rarely in the mood. (CAMRUS JOHNSON, US, 11 MIN)
FOOTSTEPS ON THE WIND
Noor and her little brother, Josef, journey far away from home, orphaned from a devastating earthquake. (MAYA SANBAR, UK/BRAZIL/US, 7 MIN)
IN NATURE
You may not be aware of it, but homosexuality isn’t just a human story. (MARCEL BARELLI, SWITZERLAND, 5 MIN) US PREMIERE
MUM IS POURING RAIN
Tenacious 8-year-old Jane is sent to spend Christmas at her grandmother’s. Against all odds, the holidays turn out to be an adventure. As she opens up to new friends, she’ll find that life can be a feast, if she lets it. (HUGO DE FAUCOMPRET, FRANCE, 30 MIN)
