Animation Spotlight: Shorts

Dormilón

Directed by Olivia Marie Valdez

9:09 • United States • Alabama Premiere

WOMEN IN FILM

In a quest to become the performer of his dreams, Dormilón, a starry-eyed and middle-aged janitor living in an abandoned theater, must confront his nightmares face-to-face.

Deep in the Folds of My Mind

Directed by Mac Muggeo

5:05 • United States • Alabama Premiere

ALABAMA, STUDENT, WOMEN IN FILM

When a peculiar man's nightmares begin to breach his waking life, he must find a way to quell them or risk losing his mind for good.

Living with a Visionary

Directed by Stephen P. Neary

14:58 • United States • Alabama Premiere

Based on John Matthias's memoir, "Living with a Visionary" is a soulful, bittersweet reflection on John's fifty-year marriage to Diana, an art curator grappling with Parkinson's.

The Ottoman

Directed by Mike Stamm

12:00 • United States • Southern US Premiere

FAMILY

The Ottoman, a hotshot mechanic and amateur robot gladiator, is looking forward to proving himself in the arena. But when his obsession with winning endangers the lives of his family, the Ottoman must face harsh lessons about what victory truly requires.

Forever Home

Directed by Ashley Wong

3:21 • United States • Southern US Premiere

ALABAMA, FAMILY, WOMEN IN FILM

Benson, the three-legged mastiff, lives alone in a quiet house. He spends his days content to watch the world pass by until one day a mysterious dog shows up at his doorstep, followed by many more.

Blessed

Directed by Birute Sodeikaite

7:30 • Canada • Alabama Premiere

INTERNATIONAL, WOMEN IN FILM

A tough, no-nonsense Buffalo has always seen himself as strong, fearless, and ready to take the world, but when his long-awaited dream of fatherhood finally comes true, he is thrown into uncharted territory.

The Nest

Directed by Aurélien Coquery, Léa Kermanach, Soline Mauguin, Abel Tixador, Jean Baounon, Romane Selter-Fiette

7:12 • France • Southern US Premiere

INTERNATIONAL, WOMEN IN FILM, STUDENT

A shy young luthier, Aurore returns to work in the family's prestigious workshop. As she reunites with her beloved mother, she uncovers a monstrous family secret.

A Sparrow’s Song

Directed by Tobias Eckerlin

9:10 • Germany • Alabama Premiere

INTERNATIONAL, STUDENT

Inspired by a true story, a widowed World War II air raid warden struggles to overcome grief and rediscover joy until a tiny bird enters her life.

113 Words for You Today

Directed by Bo Qing Tang, Lan Zeng

12:31 • China, Taiwan, United States • Alabama Premiere

INTERNATIONAL, WOMEN IN FILM

A team of workers is sent to planet Gliese 12b to build a gravitational portal. To conserve energy for survival on the frozen planet, each worker is allowed to speak only 138 words per day.