ShortsTV, the World’s Only Short Film Channel (www.shorts.tv), working with Magnolia Pictures, will open “The 2019 Oscar Nominated Short Films” on more than 500 screens across the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, South Africa, and Australia on Feb. 8, 2019. The Live Action, Animation and Documentary short-film nominees compilations will be showcased as three separate theatrical events, premiering at the IFC Center in New York City on February 6 before rolling out across the U.S. and Europe on Feb. 8.
Additionally, ShortsTV will release select Oscar-nominated short films via major digital platforms and cable providers on February 19. The films will also be available on cable via the industry’s Movies on Demand platforms well as satellite VOD platforms, including iTunes, Amazon, Verizon, Vimeo On Demand and Google Play, DISH, Cablevision, AT&T, Google Fiber, Spectrum and others.
This marks the 14th consecutive year of the Oscar Nominated Short Films cinema experience — the only opportunity for general audiences to watch the short film nominees in theaters before the Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday February 24. In 2018, the event earned over $3 million in worldwide box office gross, double the level from just two years prior.
“Short movies continue to be one of the most interesting and surprising filmmaking categories recognised by the Oscars every year,” said Carter Pilcher, Chief Executive at ShortsTV. “Truly some of 2018’s most diverse filmmaking is represented in the short film categories this year — the live action and documentary nominees tackle hard-hitting subjects that are bringing headlines around the globe, while the animated shorts are inspirational and hilarious. We are proud to once again be presenting these incredible films in theatres and later on-demand.”
For a sneak peek at THE 2019 OSCAR® NOMINATED SHORT FILMS program, please visit: http://shorts.tv/theoscarshorts/
ANIMATED SHORT FILM NOMINEES
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
Directors: David Fine, Alison Snowden
Synopsis: Dealing with what comes naturally isn’t easy, especially for animals. In ‘Animal Behaviour’, five animals meet regularly to discuss their inner angst in a group therapy session led by Dr. Clement, a canine psychotherapist.
Country of Origin: Canada | TRT: 14 minutes | Language: English
BAO
Director: Domee Shi
Synopsis: An aging Chinese mom suffering from empty nest syndrome gets another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings springs to life as a lively, giggly dumpling boy.
Country of Origin: United States | TRT: 8 minutes | Language: Chinese, English
LATE AFTERNOON
Director: Louise Bagnall
Synopsis: Emily is an elderly woman who lives between two states, the past and the present. She journeys into an inner world, reliving moments from her life. She searches for a connection within her vivid, but fragmented memories.
Country of Origin: Ireland | TRT: 10 minutes | Language: English
ONE SMALL STEP
Directors: Andrew Chesworth, Bobby Pontillas
Synopsis: Luna is a vibrant young Chinese American girl who dreams of becoming an astronaut. From the day she witnesses a rocket launching into space on TV, Luna is driven to reach for the stars. As Luna grows up, she enters college, facing adversity of all kinds in pursuit of her dreams.
Country of Origin: United States, China | TRT: 8 minutes | Language: English
WEEKENDS
Director: Trevor Jimenez
Synopsis: Weekends is the story of a young boy shuffling between the homes of his recently divorced parents. Surreal dream-like moments mix with the domestic realities of a broken up family in this hand-animated film set in 1980’s Toronto.
Country of Origin: United States | TRT: 16 minutes | Language: English (music)
The Oscars will be held at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood and televised live on the ABC Television Network.
