Directors: Various
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Film Pulse Score: 8/10
For the last several years before the Oscar telecast the short films that have been nominated for an Academy Award are given a rare theatrical release. Presented as separate programs for each short category Animation, Live Action and Documentary, moviegoers have the opportunity to see the shorts that in the past they would seldom ever get to see. For some it’ll give them a leg up in their office Oscar pools. Outside of knowing that these films are nominated it can be kind of exciting for a filmgoer because you never know what’s in store and this year’s selections were no different. This year’s nominated documentaries take a look at homelessness, the elderly, recycling and breast cancer.
Inocente (Director: Sean Fine) is an inspirational look at a young 15 year old homeless girl who’s love for painting opens doors that were once not readily accessible for her. They follow her through her day to day life and she recounts her past when she was living on the streets. The film’s one heartbreaking moment comes when she tearfully explains why she is responsible for the life that her family is living. Despite what anyone tells her she still thinks it is her doing. It’s a heaven burden for such a young girl.
Kings Point (Director: Sari Gilman) looks at a retirement community in Florida. Residents there discuss their takes on relationships, divorce, their mortality and their loneliness amongst other things. It’s a very interesting examination of the things we take for granted that take on new meaning and value when we grow old. You’d think this would be depressing but surprisingly it really isn’t.
Mondays at Racine (Director: Cynthia Wade) is a heart-wrenching, emotional look at breast cancer. Two sisters who run a beauty shop in Long Island open their doors to cancer patients for free one Monday at month. The documentary looks at some of the patients who come to see them for not only the make up but emotional support as well. It is hard not to be moved buy this one. Every story told is devastating and emotional but in the end inspirational. Something happened to me in this one that hasn’t happened in some time. At the end of the film a youthful, beautiful and vibrant young woman with a full head of hair comes in to have her hair cut off. As the scene unfolded a lone tear rolled out of my left eye. This is some powerful stuff.
Open Heart (Directors: Kief Davidson) follows a group of Rawadan teenage girls who must leave the country for Sudan where they will receive free open heart surgery. The girls must travel alone. Meaning when the parents say goodbye and if all does not go well this will be the last time they will ever see their children. Like last years winner “Saving Face” this one follows a group of doctor’s who give free health care to the poor. The documentary follows the girls’ operations and the operation of the medical facility itself. Most interesting was when the Sudanese president stopped by for a visit, a man who we are told is wanted for crimes against humanity. Talk about tense.
Redemption (Directors: Jon Alpert and Matthew O’Neill) looks at the culture and lifestyle of “canning.” Look around the city, if you see someone walking by with a cart full of recyclables they are “canning.” Looking at people from all walks of life in New York City where one can is redeemable for $.05 it shows how one ends up doing it and/or why. For some it becomes a career but most interestingly is that many of the people they follow had careers and are now down in the dumps, literally. It may be frowned upon but many turn a pretty decent profit for their haul. Plus at least someone is taking care of the environment in some way.
The program is hosted by director Daniel Junge who co-directed last year’s winner Saving Face. In between shorts he shares his insights on what the Oscars can do to bring awareness, how he chooses a subject to cover and why he makes shorts as opposed to documentary feature length films. This is an outstanding series of shorts. I have seen these programs for the last several years now and I have to say this was the best one. This one is incredibly hard to call. If you were to cite precedent you would go with Open Heart. Inocente is a very well told documentary that is moving and uplifting. However, you then have Mondays at Racine a truly powerful documentary that moved yours truly to shed a tear. I have a feeling it will be between Inocente and Mondays at Racine. These are currently playing in limited engagements as either a single or two part program. Each short averages about 40 mins. Whichever program you see be sure to check out these years nominees.
