In a matter of minutes, a documentary short film can convey the complexities of a lived reality. With the use of animation, this form can take on further depth not just by poetically exploring the facts but also by evoking feelings. As such, they don’t often offer neat solutions, but aim to bring awareness and further dialogue by shedding light on perspectives perhaps not familiar to the viewer.   

In this selection of shorts, each film employs different approaches to storytelling. They demonstrate innovations in the craft of animation and show how impact on an audience can be the first step to catalyzing change in the real world. Don’t let their runtimes fool you. 

Following the screening, a conversation will take place with Co-Founder & President of BRON Media Corporation Brenda Gilbert, and Academy Award-nominated producer Jinko Gotoh.  

Programmed and notes by Kiva Reardon, with thanks to Jinko Gotoh, Brenda Gilbert, and Jason Anderson 

Please note, this program contains subject matter some viewers may find disturbing.

PROGRAM

The Torture Letters
A series of letters are addressed to victims of racist police brutality in Chicago, tracing the intergenerational impact of this systemically created and upheld torture.

Director: Laurence Ralph. 2020. 13 min. USA. B&W. English. Digital.

Nutag (Homeland)
Using hand-painted animation and non-narrative form, this poetic short evokes the pain of displacement and exile experienced by Kalmyk people.

Director: Alisi Telengut. 2016. 6 min. Canada. Color. DCP.

Hair Piece: A Film for Nappyheaded People
This satirical short takes a biting look at Eurocentric beauty ideals and their impact on Black women’s beauty standards, especially when it comes to hair.

Director: Ayoka Chenzira. Cast: Carol-Jean Lewis. 1984. 10 min. English. USA. Color. DCP.

Wild Flower
A whimsical animation style evokes the complex perspective—and fragile memories—of a youth growing up in foster care.

Directors: Sardé Hardie, Somer Stampley. 2021. 5 min. Canada/USA. Color. English. DCP.

Carne/Flesh
Five Brazilian women’s stories are animated using mixed media as they reflect on their relationships to their bodies.

Director: Camila Kater. Cast: Helena Ignez, Rachel Patricio, Larissa Rahal, Valquiria Rosa. 2019. 12 min. Brazil/Spain. Color. Portuguese. DCP.

Recit de soi (Self Story)
A seemingly simple hand-drawn animation becomes a conduit for a deeply personal and nuanced story about coming out as non-binary.

Director: Géraldine Charpentier. 2018. 5 min. Belgium. Color. French. Digital.