Dec 30, 2016

Blind Vaysha" and "Nighthawk" Top Industry Survey of Best Animated Short Films of 2016

Zippy Frames, a solid European source covering animation festivals and films, surveyed a respected group of 28 industry professionals, including festival programmers, academics, and filmmakers (among them Tomm Moore, Konstantin Bronzit, and Sarah Saidan) We surveyed this esteemed group of 28 industry professionals, including festival programmers, academics, and filmmakers (among them Tomm Moore, Konstantin Bronzit, and Sarah Saidan) about their favorite animated shorts of 2016.

Each participant was asked to name three independent animated shorts that made a lasting impression/influence on them in 2016 (including those that began screening at the festival in 2015) Two films tied for first place, each receiving six votes: Theodore Ushev's " Blind Vaysha" (Canada/France) directed by Theodore Ushev and "Nighthawk" (Slovenia/Croatia) directed by Špela ? Rounding out the top five were Alberto Vazquez's "Decorado," Marta Pajek's "Impossible Figures and Other Stories II," and Reka Busi's "Love."

The top 12 films are listed below, along with their respective trailers. Overall, a great group of films. A few months ago, when I served as a judge for the 3D Wire Fest, I honored three films from this list.

A word of caution, don't assume that these selections will give you many clues about the upcoming Oscar contenders. Although the Academy has a taste far removed from the rest of the animation community, only two of the 12 films on this list made the final cut.

Nighthawk, Špela ?adež (Finta/RTV Slovenia/Bonobostudio) Slovenia/Croatia, 2016

Love, Réka Bucsi (Boddah Production), Hungary 2016