Grades 7-8 International Shorts
Varmints
Director Marc Craste
UK, 2008
24 min.
In the face of overwhelming urbanization, indifference, and recklessness, a small creature struggles to preserve a remnant of the peace he once knew. His selfless acts of love plant the seeds of change that will ultimately prove the salvation of his world. But at what cost to himself?
Note: Based on the award-winning book of the same name by Helen Ward and
illustrated by Marc Craste.
Awards: Nominated for a FAFTA; shortlisted for an Academy Award.
Sleeping Betty
Director: Claude Cloutier
Canada, 2007
9:13 min.
In this animated short, Betty is stuck in bed, victim of a strange bout of narcolepsy. The King calls on his subjects to rescue her and they all respond to the call: Uncle Henry VIII, Aunt Victoria, an oddly emotional alien, a funky witch, and a handsome prince. But will a kiss really be enough to wake the sleeping princess?
Awards: Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film (Audience Award); Jutra award winner (Best Animation); Cartoons on the Bay, Positano, Italy (Special Mention for Best Animation).
The Burrowing Owl
Director: Mike Roush
USA, 2008
6 min.
A story of love and survival as seen through the lens of a wildlife documentary. We meet the Burrowing Owl, who has recently lost his mate to a large predator that is hunting in his neck of the woods. How will he survive in this dangerous wilderness alone?
Ali and the Ball
Director: Alex Homes
Australia, 2008
15 min.
Ali is eight years old and lives with his mother in a refugee detention centre. Life is hard for the inmates and Ali's main concern in life is to look after his mother. When her prized knitting needles -- her most treasured material possessions -- are confiscated, Ali takes it upon his shoulders to get them back. Gradually Ali befriends a young girl on the other side of the razor-wire fence and, with her help, attempts to make it up to his mother.
Awards: Sydney Film Festival 2008 (Dendy Award for Short Fiction).
Swing
Director: Dawn Tuffery
New Zealand, 2009
6:11 min.
Far away in unstable fantasy landscape, one small creature likes to swing in trees by a determined property developer appears with other with other ideas. As the trees disappear and the ground crumbles, the creature searches worriedly for a place to swing.
The Best Kept Secret
Director: Patricia Ferreira
Spain, 2003
18 min.
Ravi is a handsome nine-year-old Indian boy; he alone is responsible for earning a living for himself, his sister and his grandfather. For this reason he gets up every morning before sunrise to earn the money the family of three need to survive. After his morning stint, Ravi sets off for school – although he’s usually far too tired to concentrate on his lessons. In class he sits all alone at his own table; gradually we realise why he is being discriminated against in this way, namely, his mother’s death – allegedly of an AIDS-related infection – years ago. But Ravi has no time for tears – for he must look after his sister and his grandfather.
