The Short Contenders
THE KANBAR INSTITUTE OF FILM & TELEVISION in partnership with MPRM COMMUNICATIONS, PHASE 2 PR and SEE-THROUGH FILMS
presents a curated program of international, Oscar®-qualified
ANIMATED, DOCUMENTARY, and LIVE ACTION Short Films.
Includes group Q/A with all Directors.
Password: Contenders21
Showcase of films with Q&A available to view now through February 5, 2021
1. AUGUSTUS USA, Live Action RT: 15’
Augustus, a literate escaped slave masquerading as a free man in Massachusetts in 1841, experiences nightmares of his son's death and a future that resembles the struggles of his own time. Shaken to his core, Augustus realizes the horrors of slavery and racial inequalities will continue if he remains complicit. He's left with one choice; speak up or lose his freedom.
2. KAPAEMAHU USA, Animation RT: 8’28”
Kapaemahu tells the long forgotten story of four mahu, extraordinary beings of dual male and female spirit who brought the healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii. Beloved by the people for their gentle ways and miraculous cures, they imbued four giant boulders with their powers. Although the stones still stand on Waikiki Beach, the true story behind them has been hidden – until now. Narrated in an ancient Hawaiian dialect, and seen through the eyes of a curious child, the story of Kapaemahu brings to life this powerful legend in richly hand-drawn and 2-D animation.
3. ELO (TIE) Portugal, Animation RT: 11’36”
Profoundly titled ELO, the Portuguese word for link, this animated short film explores our connection to the environment and the forces around us. Under a gloomy sun, two characters look for that link. He and She [Ele e Ela] are two lonely souls, hiding to the world their very special features. Animated with stunning hand-drawn, graphite pencil sketches, ELO proposes that if you let nature be your teacher, you might find the link.
4. THE SOUND OF A WILD SNAIL EATING USA, Live Action RT: 15’
When a woman is bedridden by a mysterious pathogen, a forest snail unexpectedly takes up residence on her nightstand. Together, the woman and snail share an intimate journey of survival and resilience. Their captivating and graceful explorations expand the boundaries of the bedroom. An intimate and surprising live action story. Adapted from the award-winning nonfiction memoir of the same title.
5. PURPLEBOY Portugal, Animation RT: 13’55”
Oscar is a child who sprouts in his parent’s garden. Nobody knows his biological sex but he claims the male gender. One day Oscar lives an extraordinary but painful adventure in an authoritarian and oppressive world. Will he manage to have the identity recognition he desires so much?
6. LOST & CROWNED USA, Animation RT: 11’50”
Peter and his relentlessly curious younger brother, Larry, are tasked with guarding the Red King’s crown, but Larry can’t keep his hands to himself.
7. CARNE Brazil/Spain, Documentary RT: 12’
“Rare, medium rare, medium, medium well and well done. Through personal stories, five women share their experiences in relation to the body, from childhood to old age.”
8. GRANDAD WAS A ROMANTIC UK, Animation RT: 4’39”
My grandad was a romantic. He once saw a picture of my granny and realised that she was the love of his life. This story sounds just like a fairy tale. All it needs is a happy ending.
Q+A WITH THE DIRECTORS
Moderated by Festival Strategist Kathleen McInnis &
NYU Tisch School of the Arts Professor Katherine Lindberg.
AUGUSTUS, Director Jon Alston
KAPAEMAHU, Director Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu
ELO (TIE), Director Alexandra Ramires
THE SOUND OF A WILD SNAIL EATING, Director Elisabeth Tova Bailey
PURPLEBOY, Director Alexandre Siqueira
LOST & CROWNED, Director Borja Peña Gorostegui
CARNE, Director Camila Kater
GRANDAD WAS A ROMANTIC., Director Maryam Mohajer