Highlighted Animated Short Films of 2019
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Animation, a genre that transcends age and geographical boundaries, has once again proven its versatility in storytelling and filmmaking. In 2019, the nominees for Best Animated Short Film were as unique, unpredictable, and catered to diverse sensibilities as ever.
One of the standout films was Domee Shi's Bao, which made history as the first Pixar short film directed by a woman. Shi's film won first place among the nominated Best Animated Short Films and also bagged an Oscar. Bao is an extended metaphor for cultural assimilation, told from a Chinese mother's perspective who imagines her dumpling coming to life. The film subtly explores the complexities of parent-child bonds and the challenges of assimilation.
Another remarkable film was Animal Behaviour, directed by David Fine and Alison Snowden. This witty and slightly kooky film is a group therapy session for five animals, each representing a different stereotype. It subtly brings to light questions about identity and raises awareness of stereotypes. The film was dedicated to the medical team at Vancouver General Hospital who saved Alison Snowden's life in 2017.
Weekends, directed by Trevor Jimenez, narrates the tale of a young boy grappling with his parents' divorce. The film captures the duress and emotional turmoil of a child as he navigates the complexities of the adult world.
One Small Step, directed by Andrew Chesworth and Bobby Pontillas, is a celebration of the power of imagination. The short animation explores dreams and hardships, tracing the trajectory of a young girl who aspires to become an astronaut.
Late Afternoon, directed by Irish Animator Louise Bagnall, narrates the story of an elderly woman's quest for self-understanding and meaning. The film uses beautiful watercolour visuals to traverse conflicting memories.
Animators use digital tools to create an illusion of movement for various platforms, including cinema. This technology allows for a level of precision and subtlety often lacking in mainstream commercial cinema, making animation a powerful tool for expressing the nuances and intricacies of life.
To learn more about a career in animation, visit: Career in Animation: All You Need to Know
The animation genre is not limited to light-hearted issues and a young audience. It can express the complexities of life and its challenges with a precision and subtlety that is often missing in mainstream commercial cinema. These animated short films, while different in their themes, share a common thread - they explore the difficulties of parent-child bonds and childhood sadness. These films offer a unique perspective on life's complexities and are a testament to the power of animation as a medium for storytelling.
