Straight from France, these two eclectic programs bring together films from established filmmakers as well as emerging talent. Each one opens up a unique world and speaks to the rich diversity of animation in France today.
Vote for the best short! Audience members, in person and online, are encouraged to vote for their favorite new French short. The winner will receive a prize provided by TitraFilm.
The winner will be announced during a live online awards ceremony on Saturday, February 19 at 2pm ET. The award ceremony is free and open to all — RSVP here.
7 shorts, 75 min
Anxious Body
NY Premiere
Dir. Yoriko Mizushiri, France, Japan, 2021, 6 min, color
Without dialogue or commentary
Illy Prize – Directors’ Fortnight – Cannes Film Festival 2021
Toronto International Film Festival 2021
Living things, artificial things, geometry shapes, and lines. When they encounter each other, a new direction is born.
The World Within (Le Monde en soi)
NY Premiere
Dir. Sandrine Stoïanov, Jean-Charles Finck, France, 2020, 17 min, color
In French with English subtitles
Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2021
Nominated for Best Animated Short Film, César Awards 2022
While preparing for her first exhibition, a young painter commits so passionately to her creations that she loses touch with reality and descends into hallucinatory chaos.
Flowing Home (Comme un Fleuve)
US Premiere
Dir. Sandra Desmazières, France, Canada, 2021, 15 min, color
In French with English subtitles
Shortlisted for Best Animated Short Film – Academy Awards 2022
Vancouver International Film Festival 2021
Two sisters grow up in Vietnam and are separated by the war between North and South. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, Thao, in her teens, must leave the country with her uncle. Her sister Saoi Maï, only a little older, remains with their parents, hoping they will soon be reunited.
Liza
Dir. Bastien Dupriez, France, 2020, 2 min, color
Without dialogue or commentary
Liza is an abstract film that takes its name from a composition by George Gershwin. A poetic visual transcription inspired by Norman McLaren and Len Lye to Steven Woloshen.
Mom
NY Premiere
Dir. Kajika Aki Ferrazzini, France, 2020, 9 min, color
Without dialogue or commentary
Set in a dystopian world, a young girl runs for her life while cameras broadcast the action. A declaration of love to the memories shaping our dreams for the future.
Noir-Soleil
NY Premiere
Dir. Marie Larrivé, France, 2021, 20 min, color
In French, English and Italian with English subtitles
Critics’ Week – Cannes Film Festival 2021
Winner – Prix Emile-Reynaud 2021
After an earthquake in the bay of Naples, the body of a man is found. While Dino and his daughter, Victoria, travel to Italy for a DNA test, the past catches up with them.
Pests (Nuisibles)
US Premiere
Dir. Juliette Laboria, France, 2020, 15 min, color and black & white
Without dialogue or commentary
In the heat of summer, children and wasps gather around the same meal, but sharing is not on the daily menu.