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Oscar Nominated Short Films: Experience the Magic on the Big Screen!

salina Art Center Screens Oscar-Nominated Short Films

Salina, Kansas – Film enthusiasts in Salina have a rare possibility this week: a chance to view all the 2025 Oscar-nominated short films on the big screen. From February 21st to 26th, the Salina Art Center Cinema will host screenings of the Academy Award nominees across three categories: Animated, Live Action, and Documentary. This marks over a decade of the Salina Art center Cinema hosting the Oscar Shorts Festival, providing a comprehensive showcase of the year’s most acclaimed short films.”With all three categories offered — Animated, Live Action, and Documentary — this is your annual chance to see all the nominees,” the Salina Art Center announced. The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of cinematic talent recognized by the Academy.

Animated Short Film Nominees

  • Gorgeous Men – Nicolas Keppens, 18 min., Belgium/France/Netherlands (in Flemish, Dutch, Turkish, and English)
  • In the Shadow of the Cypress – Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani, 20 min., iran (no dialog)
  • Magic Candies – Daisuke Nishio, 21 min., Japan (in Japanese)
  • Wander to Wonder – Nina Gantz, 14 min., Netherlands/Belgium/France/UK (in English)
  • yuck! – loïc Espuche, 13 min.,France (in french)

Documentary Short film Nominees

  • Death by Numbers – Kim A. Snyder, 33 min., USA (in English)
  • I am Ready, Warden – Smriti mundhra, 37 min.,USA (in English)
  • incident – Bill Morrison,30 min., USA (in English)
  • Instruments of a Beating Heart – Ema Ryan Yamazaki, 23 min., Japan (in Japanese)
  • the Only Girl in the Orchestra – Molly O’Brien, 34 min., USA (in English)

Live Action Short film Nominees

  • A Lien – Sam Cutler-Kreutz and David Cutler-Kreutz, 15 min.,USA (in English)
  • Anuja – Adam J. Graves, 22 min., USA (in Hindi)
  • I’m Not a Robot – Victoria warmerdam, 22 min., Belgium/Netherlands (in Dutch)
  • The Last ranger – Cindy Lee, 28 min., South Africa (in Xhosa)
  • The Man Who Coudl Not Remain Silent – Nebojsa Slijepcevic, 13 min., Croatia (in Croatian)

A short film is typically considered a movie less than 30 minutes in length. The Salina Art Center Cinema’s extraordinary track record includes films that have garnered a total of 43 Oscar nominations in past seasons. This year’s screenings offer a chance to witness the next generation of potential award winners. The Academy Awards ceremony takes place on Sunday,March 2nd. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the nominees before the big night!

Screening Schedule:

Friday, February 21 | 6 PM – Live Action

Saturday, February 22 | 2 PM – Documentary

Saturday, February 22 | 6 PM – Animation

Sunday, February 23 | 2 PM – Animation

Sunday, February 23 | 6 PM – Live Action

Monday, february 24 | 6 PM – Documentary

Tuesday, February 25 | 6 PM – Animation

Wednesday, February 26 | 6 PM – Live Action

(unrated; some films may contain mature themes, profanity, drug use, violence, or nudity. Some films may be subtitled.)

Exploring the Vibrant World of oscar-Nominated Short Films at Salina Art Center Cinema

How Short Films Are Carving Out a Vital Niche in Modern Cinema

The Oscar-nominated short films are not just fleeting moments in cinema; they are miniature masterpieces, often heralding the future of filmmaking. With the Salina Art Center in Kansas hosting a viewing of all 2025 nominees in this distinct category, it’s clear these films are gaining in both recognition and appreciation.what makes these short films not just a cinematic event but a pivotal exploration of storytelling is a phenomenon poised too leave a lasting impact.

Interview with Dr. Eleanor Maple, Film Studies Professor and Short Film Enthusiast

interviewer: Welcome, Dr. Maple. The Salina Art Center cinema is hosting a remarkable event with the 2025 Oscar nominees for short films. Can you shed light on the significance of short films in today’s film industry?

dr. Eleanor Maple:

Short films have increasingly become a vital platform for storytelling innovation. They allow filmmakers to experiment with form and content without the constraints often associated with longer projects. Short films are incubators for new ideas and talent. They’ve been instrumental in launching the careers of many now-famous directors, like Steven spielberg, who directed his first feature-length, “Jaws,” after the success of his short film. These projects often serve as proof of concept, showcasing unique visions that might have been deemed too risky for more considerable financing.

interviewer: With the festival hosting nominees across three categories—Animated, Live action, and Documentary—what makes each of these categories critical to cultural storytelling today?

Dr. Eleanor Maple:

each of these categories—animated, live action, and documentary—offers a unique angle on societal narratives. Animated shorts break language barriers with artistry that communicates universally, frequently enough tackling complex issues through metaphor and visual storytelling. A film like “Wander to Wonder,” as an example, uses animation to explore themes of belonging and personal journey in ways that resonate across cultural divides.

Live action shorts often strip down cinema to its core, allowing for raw and immediate storytelling that can feel more intimate. They can address social issues in a manner that prompts immediate reflection. “Anuja,” for example,bridges cultural gaps by telling a story in Hindi,opening a window into experiences that might otherwise remain foreign to many.

Documentaries offer a window into reality, becoming potent tools for education and awareness. Through factual storytelling, documentaries can illuminate hidden aspects of our world, sparking dialogues that lead to real-world impacts.”Instruments of a Beating Heart,” telling the story of a deaf pianist, not only highlights personal triumph but also advances the conversation on accessibility in music education.

interviewer: this year’s Oscar Hairstyles shine a spotlight on diverse languages and themes. Can you discuss the importance of this diversity in short films?

Dr. Eleanor Maple:

The diversity in languages and themes present in this year’s Oscar-nominated short films is a testament to the global embrace of different cultures and stories. by showcasing films in various languages such as Japanese, Dutch, Turkish, and Xhosa, the festival underscores the universal language of cinema. These titles bring forth culturally specific issues, broadening viewers’ perspectives and fostering empathy across cultural boundaries. Diversity in film not only enriches the cinematic tapestry but also challenges audiences to engage with narratives that are unfamiliar,offering enriched understanding and appreciation.

interviewer: what practical applications or impacts do you foresee these films having beyond the cinema?

Dr. Eleanor Maple:

Beyond the cinema, these short films can serve as powerful educational tools. They can be integrated into academic settings to enhance understanding of global issues, artistic styles, and cultural dialogues. Furthermore, their bite-sized format makes them excellent for community screenings aimed at raising awareness on pressing social topics or encouraging volunteerism.

In a professional capacity, these films can inspire filmmakers and writers across various mediums, from publishing to game design, by showcasing innovative narrative techniques. They also offer advertising agencies noteworthy storytelling insights that can be translated into impactful marketing campaigns.ultimately, the influence of these short films transcends borders, inspiring change and insight wherever they are viewed.

interviewer: As we anticipate the Academy Awards, what advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers watching these Oscar-nominated shorts?

Dr. Eleanor Maple:

Aspiring filmmakers should approach these shorts both as a source of inspiration and as a study in style and substance. observe the narrative structure, pay attention to the subtleties in dialog, and note the techniques used to convey emotion. Each film is a model of storytelling efficiency, demonstrating how to make every second count.additionally, note the personal voices and cultural narratives—these are the unique lenses through which stories gain authenticity and resonance.

To engage your creative spirit, consider attending the Salina event or similar festivals, and immerse yourself wholly in the experience of short films. The takeaway here is simple: watch, learn, and be inspired.


Engage with us by sharing your favourite short film experiences in the comments below or on social media. Which Oscar-nominated shorts do you find most compelling? Let us know!

[End of Interview]

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