BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORTS

“Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)” feels like the clear winner, as it broaches a topic that not only brings to light its topic but also entertains by capturing these dynamic young women. The only short that even has a chance of upsetting it would likely be the US’s “St. Louis Superman,” as its central character is extremely captivating.

IN THE ABSENCE

Yi Seung-Jun | Gary Byung-Seok Kam

When the MV Sewol ferry sank off the coast of South Korea in 2014, over three hundred people lost their lives, most of them schoolchildren. Years later, the victims’ families and survivors are still demanding justice from national authorities.

UNLIKELY

Yi Seung-Jun | Gary Byung-Seok Kam

NONE

COUNTRY: South Korea
LENGTH: 28 min
VIEWED ON: February 4, 2020

Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)

Carol Dysinger | Elena Andreicheva

Over the course of 15 years, a class of young girls from disadvantaged neighborhoods in war-torn Kabul, learn to read and write, and grow together in confidence through the joy of skateboarding.

FRONT-RUNNER

Carol Dysinger | Elena Andreicheva

NONE

COUNTRY: United Kingdom
LENGTH: 39 min
VIEWED ON: February 8, 2020

LIFE OVERTAKES ME

John Haptas | Kristine Samuelson

Hundreds of refugee children in Sweden who have fled with their families from extreme trauma in their home countries have become afflicted with Resignation Syndrome. Facing deportation, they withdraw from the world into a coma-like state, as if frozen, for months or even years.

UNLIKELY

John Haptas

NONE

Kristine Samuelson

1975 (48th)

Best Documentary Short

“Arthur and Lillie”

NOMINEE

COUNTRY: Sweden
LENGTH: 39 min
VIEWED ON: February 8, 2020

ST. LOUIS SUPERMAN

Smriti Mundhra | Sami Khan

Bruce Franks Jr., a leading Ferguson activist and battle rapper who was elected to the overwhelmingly white and Republican Missouri House of Representatives, must overcome both personal trauma and political obstacles to pass a bill critical to his community.

POSSIBLE

Smriti Mundhra | Sami Khan

NONE

COUNTRY: USA
LENGTH: 28 min
VIEWED ON: February 8, 2020

WALK RUN CHA CHA

Laura Nix | Colette Sandstedt

Chipaul and Millie Cao reunited in 1980s Los Angeles after being separated by the Vietnam War. Forty years later, they become ballroom dancers to reconnect again and make up for lost time.

UNLIKELY

Laura Nix | Colette Sandstedt

NONE

COUNTRY: USA
LENGTH: 20 min
VIEWED ON: February 5, 2020