The Coolidge Corner Theatre

The films included in this program are the Academy Award Nominated Short Films from 2008. These films come from all over the globe and represent the finest in both animated and live action short film. Please note a separate ticket is required for each program.

LIVE ACTION SHORTS - Total Runtime 1h39m

AUF DER STRECKE (ON THE LINE) - A department store security guard is secretly infatuated with a clerk in the store's bookshop. When he witnesses a love rival being attacked on a train, he abandons him. A decision that carries with it devastating consequences. dir. Reto Caffi Germany, Switzerland/30mins/2007

GRISEN (THE PIG) - When Asbjorn is admitted to hospital, he finds comfort in a painting of a whimsical pig - until it is removed by the request of another patient. dir. Dorte Hogh Denmark/22mins/2008

MANON SUR LE BITUME (MANON ON THE ASPHALT) - What really flashes before your eyes at the end? It’s a lovely spring day and Manon is on her way to a rendezvous with her boyfriend when an unexpected bump in the road makes her see life from an entirely fresh perspective. dirs. Elizabeth Marre, Oliver Pont France/15mins/2007

NEW BOY - Based on a Roddy Doyle short story, a young African immigrant struggles to find a place for himself during his first day at an Irish school. dir. Steph Green Ireland/11mins/2007

SPIELZEUGLAND (TOYLAND) - Germany 1942. A mother convinces her son that the Jewish neighbors are going on a journey to 'Toyland'. dir. Jochen Alexander Freydank Germany/14mins/2007

ANIMATED SHORTS - Total Runtime 1h34m

LAVATORY - LOVESTORY - A lonely toilet attendant attempts to uncover the identity of her secret admirer. dir. Konstantin Bronzit Russia/10mins/2007

LA MAISON EN PETITS CUBES (PIECES OF LOVE, VOL 1) - An old man battles to save his house in an attempt to beat the rising tide. dir. Kunio Kato Japan/12mins/2008

OKTAPODI - Two Octopi fight for their lives in a comical escape through the streets of a small Greek village. dirs. Julien Bocabeille, Francois-Xavier Chanioux, Olivier Delabarre, Thierry Marchand, Quentin Marmier, Emud Mokhberi France/3mins/2007

PRESTO - Dignity. Poise. Mystery. We expect nothing less from the great, turn-of-the-century magician, Presto. But, when Presto forgets to feed
his rabbit, the revered conjurer gets more than he bargained for! dir. Doug Sweetland USA/5mins/2008

THIS WAY UP - Laying the dead to rest has never been so much trouble. dirs. Smith & Foulkes UK/9mins/2008

Honorable mention shorts also included in this program:

VARMINTS - A creature struggles to preserve a world in danger of being destroyed through recklessness and indifference. dir. Marc Craste UK/24mins/2008

JOHN AND KAREN - Two animals attempt to resolve their relationship issues. dir. Matthew Walker UK/5mins/2007

GOPHER BROKE - There is no such thing as a free lunch. prod. BLUR Studio USA/4mins/2004

SKHIZEIN - Poor Henry has been struck by a meteorite and yet, miraculously, he’s still here. Well, not exactly ‘here’, just a few centimetres further along than the rest of us. 91 centimetres to be precise! dir. Jeremy Clapin France/14mins/2008

HOT DOG - An intrepid dog goes to work for the fire department. dir. Bill Plympton USA/6mins/2008