Shorts Program 4: Animated Worlds

Running time: 98 mins

Animated films can be both visual and emotional treasures.

This set of shorts follows an orphaned mouse as he soars to unbelievable heights, the terrifying tale of felines running from a twisted pianist, and an important decision by a magical elephant that may save the world. The world of stop-motion shows a falcon traveling through a steampunk world and a beautiful love story expressed through song. A cartoon otter must save his new friend from a hungry sushi chef, a troubled ninja confesses his sins, and someone takes an unexpected step in an alternate version of the Greek story of the Minotaur. Also included is a very personal tale woven from a single ribbon tied among thousands, a look inside the dark and twisted mind of Franz Kafka, and the story of a man whose life is changed forever when a mysterious package sheds light on the truth. To top it all off, the award-winning director of Ryan (Cinequest 2005) creates another amazing short film focusing on one couple's heartbreaking journey to couple's counseling. - Cynthia Corral

Ariadne's Thread - dir. Attila Bertoli (Hungary)
The Cascade and Its Dust - dir. Stefan Pautze (Germany)
The Cat Piano - dir. Ari Gibson, Eddie White (Australia)
The Falcon - dir. Scot Hampton (United States)
Fard - dir. David Alapont, Luis Briceno (France)
Her Morning Elegance - dir. Oren Lavie, Yuval Nathan, Merav Nathan (Israel)
The Mouse That Soared - dir. Kyle Bell (United States)
Ninjas vs. Guilt - dir. David Chai (United States)
Ollie and the Baked Halibut - dir. Kelly A. Williamson (Canada, United States)
Prayers for Peace - dir. Dustin Grella (United States)
Samsa - Homage to Franz Kafka - dir. Rene Lange (Germany)
The Spine - dir. Chris Landreth (Canada)
The Way to Heaven - dir. Dalton Grant, Jr., Mier Tang (China, United States)

Running time: 98 min.