Oscar Shorts 2021

DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILMS, approximately 136 minutes
Rating equivalent of “R,” for mature themes and language.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A LOVE SONG FOR LATASHA, Sophia Nahli Allison and Janice Duncan, USA, 19 minutes.
The evocative story of 15-year-old Latasha Harlin’s life and dreams, lamenting her death in 1992.

DO NOT SPLIT, Anders Hammer and Charlotte Cook, USA/Norway/Hong Kong, 36 minutes.
In 2019 Hong Kong was rocked by the largest protests since Britain handed back the area to China in 1997, as citizens rebelled against Chinese government attempts to tighten controls. This story captures the determination and sacrifices of the protesters, the government’s backlash, and the passage of the new Beijing-backed national security law.

HUNGER WARD, Skye Fitzgerald and Michael Scheuerman, USA, 40 minutes.
Filmed from inside two of the most active therapeutic feeding centers in Yemen, HUNGER WARD documents two female health care workers fighting to thwart the spread of starvation against the backdrop of a forgotten war. The film provides an unflinching portrait of Dr. Aida Alsadeeq and Nurse Mekkia Mahdi as they try to save the lives of hunger-stricken children within a population dealing with famine.

COLETTE, Anthony Giacchino and Alice Doyard, USA/France, 25 minutes.
Former French Resistance member Colette Marin-Catherine refused to step foot in Germany for 74 years. This changes when a young history student named Lucie enters her life and convinces her to visit the concentration camp where the Nazis killed her brother.

A CONCERTO IS A CONVERSATION, Ben Proudfoot & Kris Bowers, USA, 14 minutes.
An uplifting inter-generational story wherein a virtuoso jazz pianist and film composer tracks his family’s lineage through his 91-year-old grandfather from Jim Crow Florida to the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

ANIMATED SHORT FILMS, approximately 99 minutes
Ratings equivalent of “PG-13,” suitable for ages 13+.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BURROW, Madeline Sharafian and Michael Capbarat, USA, 6 minutes.
A  young rabbit tries to build the burrow of her dreams, but cluelessly digs herself deeper and deeper into trouble. Eventually she learns there is no shame in asking for help. Adorable animals and impressive animation are trademark Disney/Pixar, typically employed as the front end of their family-oriented feature animated films. Charming, sweet, with a happy ending.

GENIUS LOCI, Adrien Merigeau and Amaury Ovise, France, 16 minutes.
In this, the most abstract of the nominees, we join a young Black woman, Reine, encountering mental disorientation and existential confusion as she journeys through her own memory, ranging from domestic tranquility to urban chaos and back again.

OPERA, Erick Oh, South Korea/USA, 9 minutes.
A stunning, multi-layered portrait of the cycles, foibles, and wonder of humanity, filled with beauty and absurdity.  Inspired by Michelangelo, Botticelli and Bosch, it consists of a giant pyramid with a continuous loop of activities charting human history – cycles of life and death, order and chaos, conformity and rebellion, hope and despair.

The filmmaker felt compelled to convey the division and tribalism that have intensified in recent years, striving to make something meaningful and provocative through animation. “This singular history dominates all facets of society: education, politics, and philosophy, science, and art,” says director Erick Oh, a Pixar alum, clearly with a mind and vision of his own.

IF ANYTHING HAPPENS I LOVE YOU, Will McCormack and Michael Govier, USA, 13 minutes.
In the most timely of the animated nominees, parents struggle with the loss of their daughter with a grief made palpable by ever-present black shadow figures expressing feelings they cannot openly voice.

The powerful impact is heightened by 2D animation in basic black and greys, with sparing use of color to accent key memories. When shared memories show their daughter walking towards her school, the cause of her death becomes sharply apparent.

YES-PEOPLE, Gisli Darri Halldorsson and Arnar Gunnarson, Iceland, 8 minutes.
In the morning an eclectic mix of people face the everyday routine, such as work, school or housework. As the day progresses, their character traits are revealed and their relationships are tested. At home in the evening, they reflect upon the deeds of the day.

Bonus Films from the Oscar Animation Short List:

KAPAEMAHU, Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson, USA, 9 minutes.
Long ago, four extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit 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. The stones still stand on what is now Waikiki Beach, but the true story behind them has been hidden – until now. Narrated in an ancient Hawaiian dialect, Kapaemahu brings this powerful legend back to life in vivid animation, seen through the eyes of a curious child.

THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE, Max Lang and Daniel Snaddon UK/Germany, 27 minutes.
The heartwarming story of a snail who lives on a rock and wants to see the world so gets a lift from a huge humpback whale. Based on the picture book written by the creators of the lovable Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. Character voices are lovingly provided by stars Diana Rigg, Sally Hawkins, David Cumming and Rob Brydon.

TO: GERARD, Taylor Meacham, USA, 8 minutes.
A sprightly elderly man, through a little magic, gives a child the ability to dream of possibilities. First shown at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in France, the retro feel of this story is perfectly set by the French influenced, European styles of animation.

We have been dealing with the pandemic for one year and share a collective sense of relief as the vaccine rolls out. CWC remains cautious and will continue to put patron safety first.

The 2021 Oscar Shorts is a hybrid event. Based on your personal comfort level, you can see the shorts at the Garfield or you can watch them via the CWC Virtual Cinema. In-theatre capacity will be limited, based on regulations AND our own experience via multiple test screenings.

The first two weekends are allocated to those who have been vaccinated – PEACE OF MIND (VAXXER) WEEKENDS, April 9-10-11 and 16-17-18.
The third weekend is open to healthy people, with / without vaccination – OPEN WEEKEND, April 23-24-25.

Please understand that it is impossible to guarantee that you will not be exposed to Covid-19 when you attend in person and that by purchasing a ticket you voluntarily assume the risk. If you are not feeling well or think you have been exposed, please stay home and watch the Oscar Shorts online in our Virtual Cinema.

Garfield SAFETY PROTOCOLS are common-sense elements you’ve seen before:

• Screening room seating is significantly reduced, at or below 25% of capacity. Every other row is closed, with a minimum of three empty seats between parties in occupied rows. You may sit with your group of four or fewer people in the theatre, but must maintain 3-seat in-row separation between other pods.
• Masks are required at all times, in the lobby and in the theatre, before, during and after screenings, except when actively eating or drinking in your seat.
• Maintain proper 6′ distancing and please do not congregate in the lobby. Wait outside the theatre to be admitted and seated.
• Combo purchasers should keep the same seats for both programs.
• No imported food or drink allowed, no eating or drinking in the lobby. The CWC concession menu will be limited to prepackaged snacks and beverages. Hand sanitizer stations are in the lobby and restrooms.
• To limit contact, tickets are for sale ONLY online and by phone.
• CWC staff will wear gloves and masks. Ticket counter and concession staff will also wear face shields. We will clean high-touch areas, turn-over seating and restrooms between programs.
• Exit by row to reduce congestion. Dispose of all recycle/regular trash in the appropriate bins.
• Be patient with staff and other patrons. Everyone is excited to return and see the Oscar Shorts – we’re all doing our very best to make it enjoyable and safe.

Click on the chart to enlarge.

Thanks to O Cinema, Miami Beach, for the Covid Chart

It couldn’t be easier – across the street from the Garfield Theatre, you’ll find the Butcher & Barrel, home of delicious shareables, salads, entrees, sides and desserts, plus excellent wine, craft beer and mixed drinks.

For CWC patrons, general manager Michaele Kadivnik offers a 15% discount on your order, excluding alcohol; menu is on the website. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially if you are dining between a CWC double feature. You should present your online confirmation or ticket from the event, and let your server know if there are time constraints. The discount is valid only for the date of ticket.

HOURS: MON-TUE, closed; WED-THS, 4-10 pm; FRI-SAT, 4-12 am; SUN, 4-10 pm. The kitchen closes one hour before the restaurant, every night. Hours and menu subject to change – check the website before booking. RESERVATIONS: 513-954-8974 or thebutcherbarrel.com.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS, from Butcher & Barrel management:
“We are providing table service ONLY, no bar seating, and all guests must remain seated at all times.  ALL GUESTS are required to wear face masks when they arrive, and while in any common spaces. In compliance with the most recent government guidelines, we cannot allow guests to wait for a table in common areas and reservations are accepted for groups of UP TO 10 guests ONLY.”