2011Live-Action Oscar Nominated Short Films
I have always been under the impression that the only way I would spend the hefty thirteen dollars at a movie theater would be after a certain set of criteria: constant brainwashing of the latest action flick by way of excessive advertising, something that when I say the name, people have already heard of it. It would be able to spark a conversation with others. It would preferably be a good movie, but that has become less and less of a priority, evident by the latest slew of motion pictures coming out (No Strings Attached, anyone?).
However, recently I got a chance to watch the live action Oscar-nominated short films at the IFC Theater and it revamped my view of why to watch movies. The five films I saw were The Confession (my personal favorite), Wish 143, Na Wewe, The Crush and God of Love.
The IFC Theater on West 3rd street
The showing was at the IFC theater located on West 3rd and 6th ave. I know this area well, considering one of my old summer jobs was located on 5th Street and 6th Avenue. I would always see the theater when I would exit the F train at West 4th street. Passing the theater was as normal to me as my morning coffee. Unfortunately, I never took the initiative to go inside and see a movie.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I have always had a major appreciation for short films. During high school I made a few for my Videography class and I’d like to think I can relate and understand the struggles that these filmmakers faced. “What is a powerful story line that we can convey within 15 minutes and how can we make the audience really feel something after?” Well, every Oscar- nominated filmmaker accomplished this and more. The end of each film didn’t phase to put me through a roller coaster of emotions that honestly left me confused but enlightened when I left the theater.
It’s a bit depressing that I didn’t go see these movies because of any intrinsic motivation; I was forced to for school. However, from now on I want to make watching the Oscar nominated short films a yearly ritual. Gabrielle Ouaknine, my fellow classmate and movie-going partner in crime was the one who proposed this genius idea “It would make me more excited to watch the Oscars while showing my support for the little guys in the industry that got recognized for they’re extreme talent.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I’ve actually never sat in a theatre and watched short films. I always wondered where someone could go and watch them. I don’t feel bad for being “forced” to go to for class, it’s the reason we come to school: to answer some of our unanswered questions.