Once again, O Cinema is proud to present this nationally-touring program highlighting all the ANIMATED, LIVE ACTION & DOCUMENTARY short films that received Academy Award nominations this past year. The 2023 Oscar Nominated Short Films program offers viewers the rare opportunity to experience the year’s best short films from across the globe, collected together in this special cinematic showcase courtesy of Shorts HD and Magnolia Pictures!
AN OSTRICH TOLD ME THE WORLD IS FAKE AND I THINK I BELIEVE IT
(Directed by Lachlan Pendragon / 2022 / Australia / 11 min)
When a young telemarketer is confronted by a mysterious talking ostrich, he learns that the universe is stop motion animation. He must put aside his dwindling toaster sales and focus on convincing his colleagues of his terrifying discovery.
ICE MERCHANTS
(Directed by João Gonzalez / 2022 / Portugal, United Kingdom, France / 14 min)
Every day, a father and his son jump with a parachute from their vertiginous cold house, attached to a cliff, to go to the village on the ground, far away where they sell the ice they produce daily.
MY YEAR OF DICKS
(Directed by Sara Gunnarsdóttir / 2022 / USA / 21 min)
An imaginative fifteen year-old is stubbornly determined to lose her virginity despite the pathetic pickings in the outskirts of Houston in the early 90’s. Created by Pamela Ribon from her critically-acclaimed memoir.
THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE
(Directed by Peter Baynton & Charlie Mackesy / 2020 / UK / 34 min)
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a story of kindness, courage, and hope in traditional hand-drawn animation, following the unlikely friendship of the title characters as they journey in search of the boy’s home. Based on the book of the same name.
THE FLYING SAILOR
(Directed by Amanda Forbis & Wendy Tilby / 2022 / Canada / 7 min)
In 1917, two ships collided in the Halifax Harbour, causing the largest accidental explosion in history. Among the tragic stories of the disaster is the remarkable account of a sailor who, blown skyward from the docks, flew a distance of two kilometres before landing uphill, naked and unharmed. The Flying Sailor is a contemplation of his journey.