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2024 – DOCUMENTARY – Oscar Nominated Short Films (PG-13)

Documentary Showtime:
Sun Feb 18 at 2 PM

For the 19th consecutive year, Shorts HD and Magnolia Pictures present the Oscar-Nominated Short Films! This is your annual chance to predict the winners (and have the edge in your Oscar pool)! A perennial hit with audiences around the country and the world, don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. The Academy Awards ceremony takes place Sunday, March 10th.

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS (to be offered as one program of 140 minutes)

Island In Between – S. Leo Chiang and Jean Tsien, 20 min., Taiwan (in English/Mandarin)

Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó– Sean Wang and Sam Davis, 17 min., USA (in Mandarin)

The ABC’s of Book Banning – Sheila Nevins and Trish Adlesic, 27 min., USA (in English)

The Last Repair Shop – Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, 39 min., USA (in English)

The Barber of Little Rock – John Hoffman and Christine Turner, 35 min., USA (in English)

2024 Oscar Shorts, by Christine Merser

“Why watch the shorts,” you may ask?

Telling a story in a short film is much more difficult than in a long narrative. Every word matters, and every shot must move the story forward because telling a story in under thirty minutes (most are under thirty minutes; they must be under 40 minutes to qualify) is no easy task. This year, the shorts are filled with entertainment and education. I have some favorites, but even if one or two don’t work for you, you will be overwhelmed with the talent that shines through in a short amount of time. The documentary category will educate you, quickly evoke different emotions, and the animation will blow you away, make you smile (and cry), and marvel at the artistic talent required to gain access to the Oscar finalists. The live-action films will take you through why you should run, not walk, to the Lincoln Theater starting this Friday. Grab some popcorn to learn, be entertained, and informed.

“Red White & Blue,” my favorite short this year, is in the live-action category. It is still marinating in my mind as I marvel at the surprise twist, riveting casting, perfect cinematography, and dialogue. It’s close to perfect, and I can’t wait to see what every person associated with it does next. That’s another reason to go. You will see the upcoming masters of the craft of filmmaking, who often get their start in shorts, including George Lucas, to name just one.

For the documentary shorts, you will be getting five incredible quick-fix courses on all kinds of topics, but my pick is about China and Taiwan through the story of a woman who lives close to the China border. Her story and point of view are game-changing. “Island in Between.”

“Letter to a Pig?” Who’da thunk? It’s in the animated category and brings black and white etching to a new level. The story it tells, which revolves around the Holocaust, will open up new thoughts about a topic you thought you understood. I watched it twice. I always think I don’t want to watch animated shorts because I don’t care much for animated films in general, but they are always worth exploring visually. Their use of new animated techniques and storytelling make my head spin.

We are lucky to have the Oscar-nominated shorts available to our community. Not everyone gets to see them, and more often than not, they end up on a shelf after the award season, never to see the darkness of a theater again. Don’t miss this opportunity. I promise you won’t regret it.

– Christine Merser, SCREEN THOUGHTS
Writer and recent Maine replant, has been a film reviewer for Screen Thoughts for the last ten years. Rated four stars and recently obtained by Spotify as one of their podcast series, Screen Thoughts houses her podcasts with other reviewers from the industry, as well written reviews. “I think that we humans are cemented in our point of view around explosive issues. Stories can change hearts and minds, especially when they are viewed in the darkened theater, without pushing their way into your point of view in a debate over dinner. I love going to the movies.”

 

Also Playing at Lincoln Theater

Live Action Shorts Showtimes:
Fri Feb 16 at 7 PM
Sat Feb 17 at 2 PM
Wed Feb 21 at 2 PM

Animated Showtimes:
Sat Feb 17 at 7 PM
Wed Feb 21 at 7 PM
Thu Feb 22 at 2 PM

Presented in partnership with The Carpenter’s Boat Shop

All ticket sales are final – nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Tickets are available for purchase at the door beginning 30 minutes before showtime, or in advance* through our online box office.

*Advance tickets or confirmation emails may be printed for admission OR you may check in with your email address at the theater box office when you arrive.