During the Academy Awards Sunday, you may have noticed that The Danish Poet took home an Oscar for the Best Animated Short Film and West Bank Story won Best Live Action Short Film – you may have also wondered what these movies are. To satisfy that curiosity, the Landmark E Street Cinema in Washington is showing not only these winning films but all the Oscar-nominated animation and live-action short films through March 8.
“The 2006 Academy Award Nominated Animated Short Films” series includes five films, and the award-winner, The Danish Poet, is a Norwegian and Canadian film about a poet traveling for inspiration. There is also a Hungarian film, Maestro, which is simply about a maestro preparing for his show.
Several American pieces were nominated for the short film category as well, including Disney’s adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson story, The Little Matchgirl. Lifted, a Pixar film, features a young alien attempting his first ever abduction. And 20th Century Fox offers No Time For Nuts, an adventure about Ice Age’s lovable squirrel, Scrat.
“The 2006 Academy Award Nominated Live Action Short Films” series also includes five films. The winning short, West Bank Story, is an American film about rival falafel vendors. There is also a Danish film, Helmer and Son, in which an aging father requires the care of his son, and an Australian film, The Savior, which focuses on an evangelical Mormon.
Two Spanish films, Binta and the Great Idea and One Too Many were also nominated.
With such a variety of films from many different countries, it seems a shame to miss this rare opportunity. Because the series only runs until next week, head down to Washington sooner rather than later. If these films were good enough for the Oscars, they’re certainly good enough for you.
Contact reporter Clara Morris at diversions@dbk.umd.edu.
