Take the Opportunity to See 2016 ‘Oscar Nominated Shorts’

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CHICAGO – Chicago is one of the cinematic cities that has the privilege to see two categories of Academy Award nominations on the big screen that are often not exhibited – the Live Action and Animated Short Films. In two separate programs, the Landmark Century City Cinema – 2828 N. Clark Street in Chicago – are screening the ten nominees.

Star2016 Oscar Nominated Shorts – Animated

With the technology to create animation ever-evolving and expanding, more and more creators are getting the opportunity to communicate their art through this medium. The five nominees are international, with two from the United States, one from Russia, one from Chile and the last from the United Kingdom. Each explore different worlds, themes and emotions, but all have a sense of “we can do this if we just stick together.”

World of Tomorrow
World of Tomorrow
Photo credit: Bitter Films

The five are “Prologue” (UK), a stunningly rendered pen and ink animation that basically goes through the history of war and aggression, and the victims of this blight. “Bear Story” (Chile) is an inventive story-within-a-story that presupposes a Planet of the Bears, and a mechanical representation therein. “We Can’t Live Without Cosmos” (Russia) is an extraordinary tale of astronaut friendship, made more intriguing through Russian eyes – as I recall, they are pretty good at the space race. “Sanjay’s Super Team” (US) is a Disney/Pixar joint, and provides a glimpse into the cultural specialness that families share – it is exhilarating as well as emotional. And finally, one of the BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR, the magnificent “World of Tomorrow” (US). When a toddler girl meets her future clone (through a random chain of technology), each will try to help the other. This one will make you laugh, cry and ultimately love life. Isn’t that what we all need?

2016 “Oscar Nominated Shorts – Animated” has a limited release, including Chicago, starting January 29th. See local listings for theaters and show times. “Prologue” is directed by Richard Williams and Imogen Sutton. “Bear Story” Is directed by Gabriel Osorio and Pato Escala. “We Can’t Live Without Cosmos” is directed by Konstantin Bronzit. “Sanjay’s Super Team” is directed by Sanjay Patel and Nicole Grindle. “World of Tomorrow” is directed by Don Hertzfeldt. Additional animated shorts will be shown. Program in Chicago at Landmark Century City Cinema, click here for details and showtimes. Not rated.

Star2016 Oscar Nominated Shorts – Live Action

The art of the Live Action short film is the art of ultimate story telling. Without the benefit of luxurious length, these shorter running time gems communicate their stories through an economy of scale – and they represent the world. The United States and the United Kingdom are present (with another film a combination of UK and Kosovo), Germany and Austria team up on one, and France, Germany and Palestine give voice to religious interaction.

Stutterer
Stutterer
Photo credit: Bare Golly Films

That would be “Ave Maria,” is a farcical comic expression of Jewish, Catholic and Palestinian sensibilities all intermingling in an oddball afternoon. “Day One” (US) is intense and life affirming, if that can occur during America’s never-ending wars. “Everything Will Be Okay” (Germany/Austria) is a sad state of conflict that is universal in the age of divorce. “Shok” (UK/Kosovo) is a reminder of tribal conflict and the tragedy that occurs around it, as a man flashes back to his boyhood. “Stutterer” (UK) is utterly charming, as a afflicted speaker tries to find his voice, when meeting an online connection in person. It’s conclusion is joy.

2016 “Oscar Nominated Shorts – Live Action” has a limited release, including Chicago, starting January 29th. See local listings for theaters and show times. “Ave Maria” is directed by Basil Khalil and Eric Dupont. “Day One” is directed by Henry Hughes. “Shok” is directed by Jamie Donoughu. “Everything Will Be Okay” is directed by Patrick Vollrath. “Stutterer” is directed by Benjamin Cleary and Serena Armitage. Program in Chicago at Landmark Century City Cinema, click here for details and showtimes. Not rated.

HollywoodChicago.com senior staff writer Patrick McDonald

By PATRICK McDONALD
Writer, Editorial Coordinator
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2016 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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