Every year, the films nominated for the Oscar categories of best shorts in animation, live action, and documentary are packaged and distributed to arthouse theaters.
The Moxie Cinema — the best little movie theater in Springfield — will start screening the live action and animated shorts this weekend. Documentary shorts will start in two weeks and just in time for the ceremony.
Watching these bundles of Academy-blessed tidbits separates the passive Oscar fan from the die-hards. Not only does it move you closer to completism in seeing every film nominated, there’s almost an odyssey-like quality to the viewing experience. It’s as though the artists behind these films want to test what the audience can handle.
Is this animated short about female oppression in Iran depressing? Wait until you see this one about abortion! Often these films are grim marathons. A bit relieving, they’re all under 40 minutes.
That’s also one good thing about the short films compared to their longer compatriots: they can be more responsive to the world’s current state. Smaller budgets and shorter production times mean more risks and provocations, as well as a quicker turnaround, adding to their urgency.