The Art of Animation
Shorts Package 3
The Whistle
2025, N/R, U.S., Animation, 8 minutes
Director: Greg Franklin
Producer: Nancy LaPook Diamond
Writers: Greg Franklin, Wendy Willis
Cologne, Germany, 1938. When a Jewish doctor defies a Nazi law forbidding him from treating non-Jews, empathy, courage and compassion emerge where he least expects them. Based on a true story.
Paper Trail
2026, N/R, U.S., Animation, 14 minutes
Juried Film
Director: Don Hertzfeldt
Producer: Don Hertzfeldt
Writer: Don Hertzfeldt
Paper Trail is a 14-minute, high-speed study of a life seen only through pieces of paper. Celebrated animator Don Hertzfeldt employs new animation techniques to create the film’s unique look and pace.
Sunspark
2026, G, U.S., Animation, 11 minutes
Florida Premiere
Director: Danny Bourque
Producer: Danny Bourque
Writer: Danny Bourque
Cast: Danny Bourque
While scavenging for spare parts in a post-human wasteland, a lonely robot discovers another who desperately needs his help.
La Fille du Lac
2025, PG, France, Drama, Animation, 10 minutes
Florida Premiere
Directors: Louise Bacou, Mathieu Leguay, Ludivine Miermont, Elisa Martin, Marion Fuchs, Achille Houplain, Olessia Fedko, Luna Schwertz
Bombs sound in the dark and the house shakes. One night, something appears from the lake, helping a young girl learn to move forward while carrying the memories of her past.
Leg Day
2026, PG-13, Brazil, Animation, 5 minutes
Florida Premiere
Director: João Lauro Fonte
Producers: João Lauro Fonte, Juliano Faerman
Writers: João Lauro Fonte, Juliano Faerman
A cute penguin refuses to skip leg day in this animated short that finds humor in the universal gym experience.
Les Vieux
2025, PG, France, Animation, 6 minutes
Florida Premiere
Directors: Axelle Fuset, Boris Boidron, Fanny Ghesquiere, Lucile Brunet, Jérémy La, Lauren Félines, Maëlys Guillemoteau, Manuel Mabayog
A group of seniors basking in the Côte d’Azur sun finds laughter, warmth and unexpected freedom as the end of life gently draws near.
Living with a Visionary
2026, N/R, U.S., Animation, 15 minutes
Juried Film
Director: Stephen P. Neary
Producers: Stephen P. Neary, Mireia Vilanova
Writer: Stephen P. Neary
Cast: James Cromwell, Katherine LaVictoire
After 50 years of marriage, John must care for his wife while learning to live alongside her vivid hallucinations. A true story.
Plus
2025, N/R, Canada, Animation, 7 minutes
U.S. Premiere
Juried Film
Director: Renaud Hallée
Producer: Possible Metrics
Writer: Renaud Hallée
Montreal-based filmmaker Renaud Hallée returns with Plus, a dialogue-free animated short about a plus sign carving a path to rebirth.
Saba
2026, PG, U.S./U.K., Animation, 10 minutes
Florida Premiere
Director: Liron Topaz
Producer: Lirit Rosenzweig Topaz
Writer: Liron Topaz
In a surreal world where gravity flows upward, a young boy embarks on a poetic journey through grief, memory and the endless search for closure.