OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: Interview with Hossein Molayemi & Shirin Sohani Directors of IN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESS

The short animated film In the Shadow of the Cypress written and directed by Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani has received many international awards so far, including four Oscar-qualifying Best Animation prizes from Tribeca, Animayo, LA Shorts, and Spark Animation. What inspired the story of In the Shadow of the Cypress? Was there a particular experience or moment that led you to explore the theme of PTSD in such a personal and intimate way? In fact, … Continue reading OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: Interview with Hossein Molayemi & Shirin Sohani Directors of IN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESS

OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: Salomon Ligthelm’s MOEDER is a quietly devastating meditation on grief, loss, and the lingering aftermath of tragedy

MOEDER, the latest short film from South African director Salomon Ligthelm, is a quietly devastating meditation on grief, loss, and the lingering aftermath of tragedy. Set against the backdrop of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, the film takes a unique, ground-level approach to one of the most harrowing events of recent history: the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over Eastern Ukraine in 2014. The narrative centers … Continue reading OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: Salomon Ligthelm’s MOEDER is a quietly devastating meditation on grief, loss, and the lingering aftermath of tragedy

OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: Rhys Chapman’s RYAN CAN’T READ is a heartfelt exploration of literacy struggles and human resilience

Rhys Chapman’s Ryan Can’t Read emerges as a powerful testament to the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. This British drama, which has qualified for consideration at the 2025 Academy Awards, shines a much-needed spotlight on an issue affecting millions: adult literacy. The film centers on Ryan (Lewis Ian Bray), a young man whose struggles with reading have held him back … Continue reading OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: Rhys Chapman’s RYAN CAN’T READ is a heartfelt exploration of literacy struggles and human resilience

OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: Krit Komkrichwarakool’s AUGANIC – a genre descending LGBTQ+ short

Directed by Krit Komkrichwarakool, AUGANIC is a visually striking and emotionally poignant exploration of love, intimacy, and the supernatural. This beautifully crafted LGBTQ+ short film follows a married couple facing financial hardship, only to encounter a mysterious phenomenon that challenges and deepens their relationship in unexpected ways. The couple’s discovery of a special ability during an intimate moment leads them down a path of self-discovery and connection, … Continue reading OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: Krit Komkrichwarakool’s AUGANIC – a genre descending LGBTQ+ short

OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: The Threat of Automation in Kevin & Kelly Luu’s TECHNICIANS

In Technicians, directors Kevin and Kelly Luu explore the intersection of automation and the Vietnamese-American immigrant experience. The short film centers on David (J. Alphonse Nicholson), an automation technician tasked with installing self-service manicure stations at a nail salon. There, he meets Hoa, a Vietnamese-American nail tech whose job is at risk. The film’s understated yet powerful narrative delves into the very real struggles of immigrant … Continue reading OSCAR SPOTLIGHT: The Threat of Automation in Kevin & Kelly Luu’s TECHNICIANS