Category Archives: Animation

Animation, Comedy, Drama, Suspense

Screening Room

Aside

We know you like to watch… short films that is. Welcome to the ImageMakers’ Screening Room. Enjoy films from present and past seasons. The films that are available for viewing online are listed below and have been divided into four categories: Animation, Comedy, Drama, and Suspense.

Below is a playlist with all of the available ImageMakers films on YouTube and Vimeo. We also have separate playlists for the following types of films:

Animation

Click here to watch the full animation playlist.

Comedy

Click here to watch most of the comedy films listed below.

Drama

Click here to watch most of the drama films listed below.

Suspense

Click here to watch most of the suspense films listed below.

Animation, Drama

Lost and Found Love

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This episode includes:

Mr. Hublot by Laurent Witz
Lucy by Zoe Lubeck
West of the Moon by Brent Bonacorso

Mr. Hublot
France/Luxembourg
Mr. Hublot lives in a world where everything is mechanical — including pets. It’s a universe where the giant scale of machines and the relentless use of salvaged materials reign supreme. Mr. Hublot, a withdrawn, idiosyncratic character with OCD, must break out of his shell when a robot dog is left abandoned on the curb outside the place where he lives. The film won the 2014 Academy Award for best animation. Written, produced and directed by Laurent Witz.
– Visit the film’s website at mrhublot.com.
– Watch a trailer at mrhublot.com.
– Read an interview with the filmmaker at cartoonbrew.com.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Lucy
USA
A little girl wants a puppy … real bad. Her obsession is driving her parents crazy. Will her persistence break through her parents’ stone cold hearts? While the story may be familiar to anyone who has wanted a dog, her creative storytelling technique will have you in tears by the end. Animated by Zoe Lubeck.
– Watch the film, below.

West of the Moon
USA
The memory of a long lost love triggers an old man to recall the odd set of circumstances that led to his having a grenade as a heart and a monkey inside his head. A wildly inventive and visually amazing film inviting comparisons to the work of Terry Gilliam and Tim Burton. The film is directed by Brent Bonacorso and based on the book of children’s essays entitled The Colored Monster Has No Mouth by Roger Omar. Principal cast: Jacob Whitkin, Michael Garbe, Amber Noelle and Christopher Tomafelli.
– Watch the film, below.
– Read an interview with the filmmaker at filmmakermagazine.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch Lucy:

Watch West of the Moon:

Animation, Comedy

The Real World

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This episode includes:

The Herd by Ken Wardrop
Kinda Sutra by Jessica Yu
Ghost Train by James Fleming and Kelly Hucker

The Herd
Ireland
A farmer has to deal with many unexpected situations, but when he encounters an animal with an identity crisis, he is a bit flummoxed as to how he should respond to the situation. Directed by Ken Wardrop and featuring his parents.
– Watch the film, below.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Kinda Sutra
USA
Where do babies come from? Mixing animation and taped interviews, this humorous documentary poses this question to a variety of adult and youngsters who explore their earliest understanding of sex, conception and how the two, a… intersect. With affection, laughter and nostalgia for youth’s lost naivete, the subjects recall some of their earliest encounters pertaining to sex and how babies get made. Directed by Academy Award winner Jessica Yu.
– Watch the film, below.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Ghost Train
Australia
An elderly man struggling to cope with his wife’s dementia is drawn into a macabre cabaret theatre where he becomes captivated by the lead actress. The short documentary shows the many forms of love and how one can find happiness in unexpected places. Directed by James Fleming and Kelly Hucker.
– Watch a trailer, below.
– Visit the film’s website at ghosttraindocumentary.com.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch The Herd:

Watch Kinda Sutra:

Watch a trailer for Ghost Train:

Animation, Drama

The Dog in the Window

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This episode includes:

Helium by Anders Walter

Helium
Denmark
A terminally ill boy makes a friend with a hospital worker. Through his stories about Helium — a magical fantasy world, the boy regains the joy and happiness of his life and finds a safe haven away from his daily hardships. Written and directed by Anders Walter. The film won the 2014 Oscar for Best Short. Principal cast: Casper Crump, Marijana Jankovic and Pelle Falk Krusbaek.

– Watch a trailer, below.
– Watch an interview with the filmmaker at youtube.com.
– Read interview with the filmmaker at filmshortage.com.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch a trailer from Helium:

Animation

The Animation of Imagination

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This episode includes:

The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann
Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore by William Joyce and Brandon Oldenberg

The Lost Thing
Australia
A boy discovers a bizarre looking creature while out collecting bottle caps one day at the beach. Realizing it is lost, he tries to find out where it belongs, but everyone else is too busy or wrapped up in their own lives to care. The boy decides it is up to him to find its home. The surreal animation comes from the mind of children’s book writer Shaun Tan. A beautiful allegory exploring how we take for granted the world around us and how we ourselves at times feel like we don’t belong. The film won the 2011 Academy Award for best short animation. Directed by Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann.
– Watch the film, below.
– Visit the film’s website at thelostthing.com.
– Learn more about the film at shauntan.net.
– Read interview with the filmmaker at nytimes.com.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore
USA
Inspired in equal measures by Hurricane Katrina (the filmmakers are based in Louisiana), Buster Keaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books, Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore is a story of people who devote their lives to books. The film is a poignant, humorous allegory about the curative powers of reading. The film uses a hybrid style of animation that harkens back to silent films and MGM Technicolor musicals. Directed by William Joyce and Brandon Oldenberg. The film won the 2012 Academy Award for best short animation.
– Watch the film, below.
– Visit the film’s website at morrislessmore.com.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s Wikipedia entry at wikipedia.org.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch The Lost Thing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1YG7ZXfC6g

Watch Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore :

http://player.vimeo.com/video/80648480

Animation, Drama, Suspense

Can You Fly?

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This episode includes:

5 Meters 80 by Nicolas Deveaux
9 Meter by Anders Walter
Dust by Ben Ockrent and Jake Russell

5 Meters 80
France
Ever wonder what giraffes do for fun? Wonder no more. Animated by Nicolas Deveaux. The filmmaker’s first film, 7 Tons 2, shows us what elephants do to amuse themselves.
– Watch the film, below.
– Watch 7 Tons 2 at youtube.com.

9 Meter
Denmark
A young track star’s mother is in a coma. Every time he breaks his own personal records, his mother responds by moving her finger. He is convinced that if he can push himself to the limit, he can continuing breaking records in the long jump and this will wake his mom up. He sets out to make the most dangerous jump of his life. Written and directed by Anders Walter. Principal cast: Benjamin Gabrielsen, Oliver Methling Sondergaard, Thomas Baldus, and Christine Albeck Borge. The film was short listed for an Oscar in 2012. His next film, Helium, won the 2014 Best Short film Oscar and is also part of the ImageMakers episode The Dog in the Window.
– Watch the film, below.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Dust
England
A creepy man follows a young girl and her mother home from school one day and waits until dark to sneak into their house. The mysterious man won’t leave until he gets what he wants — and doesn’t leave until he gets it. Written and directed by Ben Ockrent and Jake Russell. Principal cast: Alan Rickman, Jodie Whittaker, and Lola Albert.
– Watch the film, below.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch 5 Meters 80:

Watch 9 Meter:

Watch Dust:

Animation, Drama

The Family Dynamic

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This episode includes:

Boogaloo and Graham by Michael Lennox
Head Over Heels by Timothy Reckart

Boogaloo and Graham
Ireland
In 1970s Belfast, two young boys discover the facts of life with the aid of their pet chickens. Jamesy and Malachy are over the moon when their soft-hearted Dad presents them with two baby chicks to care for, but the two boys are in for a shock when their parents announce that big changes are coming to the family. Directed by Michael Lennox. The film was nominated for a 2015 Oscar. Principal cast: Martin McCann, Charlene McKenna, Riley Hamilton and Aaron Lynch.
– Watch a trailer, below.
– Learn more about the film at outoforbit.tv and bbc.com..
– Read interview with the filmmaker at iftn.ie.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Head Over Heels
England / USA
After many years of marriage, Walter and Madge have grown apart. To make matters worse, he lives on the floor, she lives on the ceiling. When Walter tries to reignite their old romance, it brings their equilibrium crashing down. The couple that can’t agree which way is up must find a way to put their relationship back together. Written and directed by Timothy Reckart. The stop motion animation was nominated for an Oscar in 2013.
– Watch the film, below.
– Read interviews with the filmmaker at animationmagazine.net and awn.com.
– Visit the filmmaker’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch a trailer for Boogaloo and Graham:

Watch Head Over Heels:

Animation, Drama

Island of Misfit Toys

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This episode includes:

Fugu & Tako by Ben West
Elephant by Pablo Larcuen
Edmond Was a Donkey by Franck Dion

Fugu & Tako
Australia
Two friends have very discerning tastes when it comes to sushi. They want only the freshest sushi. When one friend reprimands the chef for stale sushi, the chef gives him really fresh sushi. You’ve heard the expression, “You are what you eat?” Be careful what you wish for. Written and directed by Ben West. Principal cast: Kentaro Hara, Kuni Hashimoto and Shingo Usami.
– Watch the trailer, below.
– Look at a behind the scenes making of video at sidefx.com.
– Read an interview with the filmmaker at fxguide.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Elephant
Spain
Manuel is a middle aged man with a dull life. He is trapped in a monotonous job. His family takes him for granted. But one day his doctor tells him he suffers from a rare disease that will turn him into an elephant. His life is boring no more. Written and directed by Pablo Larcuen. Principal cast: Xavier Ortiz, Cristina Rodriguez, Alexandre Novell and Marc Montserrat.
– Watch the film again, below.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Edmond Was a Donkey
Canada / France
Edmond is not like everybody else. Some may say odd. He is very well aware he is different. When his co-workers tease him by crowning him with a pair of donkey ears, he suddenly discovers his true nature. Since he can’t bring himself to be what others expect, Edmond makes the only possible choice. A haunting and empathetic tale about people who don’t fit in written and directed by Franck Dion.
– Watch the film again, below.
– Visit the film’s website at edmondwasadonkey.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch a trailer for Fugu & Tako:

Watch Elephant again:

Watch Edmond Was a Donkey again:

Animation

Planet Animation

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This episode includes:

Wind by Robert Lobel
Bear Me by Katarzyna Wilk
Marcel, King of Tervuren by Tom Schroeder
The Origin of Creatures by Floris Kaayk

Wind
Germany
Global warming has taken its toll on a windy town. The inhabitants are resourceful and adapt to the new routine — that is until the gust stops… then things really get “blown” out of whack. Directed with humor, creativity and simplicity by Robert Lobel.
– Watch the film again, below.
– Read an interview with the filmmaker at directorsnotes.com.

Bear Me
Germany / Poland
One day, I found a bear… or he found me. I couldn’t get rid of him. We became to closest of friends. The film shows how love makes for strange bed partners. Directed by Katarzyna Wilk.
– Visit the filmmaker’s blog at bearmemovie.blogspot.com.
– Visit the filmmaker’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Marcel, King of Tervuren
United States
Marcel the Rooster, survives bird flu, alcohol, sleeping pills and his son Max. Despite being blind in one eye, he remains the proud King of Tervuren. Never underestimate the willpower of a one-eyed rooster. Cats are said to have nine lives. How many lives does a rooster have? A Greek tragedy as acted out by Belgian roosters. A mesmerizing animation directed by Tom Schroeder as told to him by his friend Ann (who also narrates the film).
– Watch a clip from the film, below.
– To watch an interview with the filmmaker, go to youtube.com.
– To read interviews with the filmmaker, go to mnoriginal.org and minnanimate.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

The Origin of Creatures
Holland
A futuristic vision of a world after a catastrophic disaster and those left behind to pick up the pieces. From the rubble bizarre life forms with recognizable human parts bond together. Due to miscommunication this exercise, as with the Tower of Babel, is doomed to fail. A creepy, mind bending and might we say, “eye-popping” animation by Floris Kaayk.
– Watch the film again, below.
– To see another film from the wild imagination of Floris Kaayk, watch Metalosis Maligna at youtube.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch Wind again:

Watch a clip from Marcel, King of Tervuren:

Watch The Origin of Creatures again:

Animation, Drama

Man’s Best Friend

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This episode includes:

My Happy End by Milen Vitanov
Talking Dog for Sale, 10 Euros by Lewis-Martin Soucy
Dog Years I & II by Sam Hearn and Richard Penfold
David and Goliath by George Zaverdas

My Happy End
Germany
All dogs love to chase their tail. This particular dog succeeds in catching it. Not only does this act change his life, but his new best friend’s life as well. An affectionate tribute to the old Saturday morning cartoons we all grew up with. Directed by Milen Vitanov.
– Watch the film again, below.
– To learn more about the film go to my-happy-end.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Talking Dog for Sale, 10 Euros
France
When a man sees a curious advertisement for a talking dog for sale really cheap, he pursues the offer with natural skepticism. It’s got to be a joke, right? Written, produced and directed by Lewis-Martin Soucy. This is Lewis-Martin’s second film to be part of Imagemakers (season three, episode Handicap). Principal cast: Roberto Alvarez, Rikar Gil and Camilo Garcia.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Dog Years I & II
England
Ben, a frustrated mongrel ties to make sense of his human companion’s strange behavior. When his supposed best friend takes him to get castrated, Ben has a hard time seeing the bright side of the situation. A dog’s life is not all it’s cracked up to be. Shot on super 8, the hilarious film gives a dog’s perspective on the meaning of life. When nothing seems to make sense, all you’ve got left is to live in the moment. Written and directed by Sam Hearn and Richard Penfold.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

David and Goliath
USA
David, a Jew and a resistance fighter, flees for his life as he is being hunted down by Nazi soldiers. David finds refuge in a nearby farmhouse where he hides in a dog house protected by a ferocious German Shepherd, who ultimately becomes his savior. An extraordinary true story set in 1943 Czechoslovakia and based on the life of David Bako. Produced, written and directed by George Zaverdas. Principal cast: Billy Burke, Kent Kasper, Jim Boeven and Rudolf Martin.
– Watch the film again, below.
– To read an interview with the filmmaker visit manhattanshort.com.
– To learn more about the film go to wix.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Watch My Happy End again:

Watch David and Goliath again:

Animation, Drama

Mind Benders

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This episode includes:

Colour Bleed by Peter Szewczyk
West of the Moon by Brent Bonacorso
Egg Breakers by Emanuel Strixner

Colour Bleed
England/Poland
A young creative and idealistic girl dreams of brighter days in a dim Eastern European city. Her fate is inextricably sealed when she crosses paths with a scheming and enigmatic old woman, who harbors a dark secret. A cold act of cruelty will fracture the very foundations of a city. Directed, written, produced, and edited by Peter Szewczyk. Peter has contributed his talents to the feature films Harry Potter, Shrek, Star Wars, Ice Age and Avatar. This is his directorial debut. Principal cast: Anna Barry and Milla Karkkainen.
– Visit the film’s website at colourbleed.com.
– Watch the film again, below.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

West of the Moon
USA
The memory of a long lost love triggers an old man to recall the odd set of circumstances that led to his having a grenade as a heart and a monkey inside his head. A wildly inventive and visually amazing film inviting comparisons to the work of Terry Gilliam and Tim Burton. The film is directed by Brent Bonacorso and based on the book of children’s essays entitled The Colored Monster Has No Mouth by Roger Omar. Principal cast: Jacob Whitkin, Michael Garbe, Amber Noelle, and Christopher Tomafelli. West of the Moon won the top prize at five film festivals in 2011.
– Watch the film again, below.
– Visit the film’s web site at westofthemoonthefilm.com.
– To purchase this film, go to iTunes.
– To learn more about the film, go to filmmakermagazine.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Egg Breakers
Germany
A game of one-upmanship gets out of hand. In a surreal landscape two creatures learn that if eyelids were lips at the same time, they would also be able to lay eggs … say what?! Animated by Emanuel Strixner.
– Watch the film again, below.
– To learn more about the film, go to emanuelstrixner.com.

Watch Colour Bleed again:

Watch West of the Moon again:

Watch Egg Breakers again:

Animation, Drama

The Golden Years

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This episode includes:

The Birthday Circle by Philip Lepherd
Love at First Sight by Michael Davies
Danny & Annie by Mike and Tim Rauch

The Birthday Circle
England
Two young children defiantly claim independence in their own home, but are implored by their frustrated elders to consider external care. This unique film places mature dialogue literally in the mouths of babes making for an uncomfortable, but illuminating look at the cruel irony of aging. What results is a role reversal dark comedy of brutal honesty. Directed and produced by Philip Lepherd. Principal cast: Matthew Marsh, Orson Lepherd, Rafe Lepherd, and Rosemary Smith.
– To learn more about the film, go to thechronicle.com.au.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Love at First Sight
England
It’s not everyday you fall in love, but in 70-year-old Arthur’s case he can and does. When he spots Ruth in the retirement home, he knows in his heart he has finally found his soul mate. Directed by Michael Davies, the short film shows that you are never too old to fall in love. Principal cast: John Hurt, Phyllida Law, and Barry McCarthy. Love at First Sight won the top prize at six film festivals and was shortlisted for a 2012 Academy Award.
– Visit the film’s website at loveatfirstsightshortfilm.com.
– To read interviews with the director, go to thisisbristol.co.uk and latimesblogs.latimes.com.
– Visit the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.

Danny & Annie
USA
In a simple analogy, the old Brooklynite Danny Perasa says that marriage is like color TV. Once you have it, you never want to go back to black and white. He has been married to Annie for 25 years. The couple recounts their life together from their first date (on which Danny proposed) to Danny’s final days with terminal cancer. This remarkable couple personifies the eloquence, grace, and poetry that can be found in the voices of everyday people. Directed and animated by brothers Mike and Tim Rauch.
– To learn more about the film, go to npr.org and rauchbrothers.com.
– To watch more Storycorps animations, go to storycorps.org.
– See the film’s IMDb entry at imdb.com.
– Watch Danny & Annie again:

Animation

Lost and Found

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This episode includes:

The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan
Ink by Justine Wallace

The Lost Thing
Australia
A boy discovers a bizarre looking creature while out collecting bottle caps one day at the beach. Realizing it is lost, he tries to find out where it belongs, but everyone else is too busy or wrapped up in their own life to care. The boy decides it is up to him to find its home. The surreal animation comes from the mind of children’s book writer Shaun Tan who also directed this 2011 Academy Award winning film. A beautiful allegory exploring how we take for granted the world around us and how we ourselves at times feel like we don’t belong.
– Watch the film again, below.
– For more information about the film, go to thelostthing.com.
– Watch an interview with the filmmaker, below.

Ink
Australia
A graffiti artist uses art to come to terms with a long lost toy and a stolen childhood. As she reflects back on what might have been, she struggles to trust or get close to anyone. One day her work attracts the attention of a young man. He identifies with the image and feels a strong bond with her. Tracking her down will not be easy. Can two wounded souls find the courage to piece together the confusing fragments of the past that may lead to some resolution and healing? Written and directed by Justine Wallace. Narrated by Cassandra Magrath.

Watch The Lost Thing again:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1JoliFXH74

Watch an interview with the filmmaker of The Lost Thing:

Animation

Amazing Animation

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Rockfish
USA
There is something lurking deep below the ground, something ancient, something hungry, something very big … and very angry. An intergalactic exterminator uses an elaborate rig to drill a hole to catch the mother of all rockfish. Strap yourself in and get ready for the ride of your life in Tim Miller’s thrilling animated short. Action/adventure actor Vin Diesel has bought the rights to make Rockfish into a feature film.
– Watch the film again, below.
– To read an interview with the filmmaker visit awn.com.

Descendants
USA/Germany
Jealousy, pride and revenge conspire to set one flower against another in this exquisite tale depicting evolution in action. One is a beautiful white flower full of wonder; the other, a decaying red flower (voiced by Whoopi Goldberg) wise to the wickedness of the world. Stunning animation enchants this forest fable about the dream of reaching the unreachable and the fact that something good can come from something evil. Directed by Heiko van der Scherm and Patrick S. Cunningham.
– Watch the film again, below.

Garbage Angels
Canada
Inanimate objects in a garbage dump take on the behavior of African animals in this ingenious animation by Pierre Trudeau. In this throw away world, the spirit of everything lives (recycles) on.
– To learn more about the film visit pierremtrudeau.com and shortfilmcentral.com.

Watch Rockfish again:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA6X7-rvEWQ

Watch Descendants again: