2/4/2020 - Oscar Documentary Shorts

My Favorite: In The Absence

Oscar Probable: Learning to Skateboard

In the Absence (2018) - Seung jun-Yi, Korea/UK, 28 min. - 8+/10

Tremendous telling of a true tragedy. Fantastic editing and every inch of celluloid drips with sorrow and unnecessary horror. This was a really strongly constructed film, so precise in every word, cell, and heart string plucked. A brilliant film, short or otherwise.

Learning to Skateboard In A Warzone (If You Are A Girl) (2019) - Carol Dysinger, USA/UK, 39 min. - 8/10

Both cute and disheartening of the root situation, but the “skate=courage=freedom” was so affirming. This has to be a fan favorite, because it is powerful, progressive, and playful.

Life Overtakes Me (2019) - John Haptas & Kristine Samuelson, USA, 39 min. - 7+/10

The juxtaposition of the particular elements of the sad tale and the natural scenes was stunning, with both beauty and poignancy. It was heartrending to see these lost children, fallen into themselves. Fascinating and painful to watch, but ended with some hope.

St. Louis Superman (2019) - Sami Khan & Smriti Mundhra, USA, 28 min. - 7/10

Strong and current. An enlightening expose with an extraordinary figure for his community and everyone.

Walk Run Cha-Cha (2019) - Laura Nix, USA, 20 min. - 6+/10

Such a sweet and special narrative. Perhaps the definition of “aging gracefully”, this is a film that never dances around its subject(s). Funny, touching, lovely and charming.