by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Welcome to The Short List! Each month, I treat you to a collection of short films. Hopefully this list will inspire you to check out some of these gems…
Our Uniform (Theaters)
One of the best parts of animation is the ability to be truly creative and unique with visual stylizing. Our Uniform is a coming-of-age story with a twist, told on a literal uniform. We get a dive into the apparel expectations of young women in Iran. There is a strong balance between telling a story of growing up, while also commentating on the greater Iranian and Muslim perspectives on women. This is impressive since this film is just about seven minutes. But it is the visuals as they are drawn and posted onto this garment which make the film truly come to life. Even without the depth of themes, Our Uniform would have been such an impactful visual experience. We are just lucky that it hits all those beats.
Ninety-Five Senses (Theaters)
Can an animated short film be carried by a singular performer to greatness? It certainly can, and Tim Blake Nelson is does it in Ninety-Five Senses. Nelson is an older southern man who is processing so many aspects of his life. Where is he on his journey? That is a great mystery with some shocking results. This little film balances some unexpected moments with a beautifully animated reflection on our senses and the lasting impressions they have. For under 15 minutes, we get to explore the life of a man through his eyes, ears, and touch. This might be more vignettes than a cohesive story, but Nelson ties it all together with a worldly and grounded performance that makes this short so engrossing. There are a few moments that are both emotionally devastating and visually striking, which help create a grounded and impactful film.
War is Over! (Theaters)
Do you like John Lennon’s music? Do you love films that leverage great music for impressive effects? Well… War is Over! is a film that checks both those boxes. The animation is distinct, as it brings an alternative War World I to life. Senseless war… senseless violence… senseless destruction. But two people on opposite sides somehow find peace in the engagement in friendly competition. This is a story of unexpected friendship stuck in hellfire and destruction. But it is the symbolism that makes this little film so impactful. Once “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” begins to play, there is a swell of joy that shines through the war-torn reality that this film inhabits. This is the perfect realization of music in a visual form, and we can all enjoy that so much.
Pachyderme (Theaters)
Are you ready for a dark and tragic film deeply veiled in a child’s tale? Pachyderme is a beautiful animated film that channels Van Gogh in the perfect Impressionist style. Every frame looks painted to perfection… which is more poignant when you realize what is lurking under each frame. We have a tale of a young girl who hunts monsters. There are tinges of horror and thriller. We see through her eyes monsters who hide in the wood knots of the ceiling, as well as in a detached tusk that belongs to the titular pachyderm. But this film is about something even more monstrous, and it is poignant and affecting as it navigates a trauma that has befallen this poor girl. This impactful balance of beauty and pain makes for a truly memorable experience.
I’m Hip (Theaters)
Who says a film can’t just be a bit of fun? For four minutes, I’m Hip gives audiences a jazz-laden animated music video full of fun. Our chunky and cool cat is a great star as he sings about being hip. There is plenty of visual flair, with vibrant and bold colors and fun sight gags to fill out this fleeting runtime. This does not have the thematic depth that the actual nominees for this year’s Animated Short Film Academy Award do, but there is plenty packed into its short runtime. On top of all the visual flair, the music is a fun song that will make you want to move. Be a cool cat and check out I’m Hip.
You can read more from Shane Conto, and follow him on Instagram and Letterboxd