The 71st Academy Awards held in 1999 brought forth a captivating selection of Short Film nominees that showcased remarkable storytelling abilities within the concise format. From enchanting animations to thought-provoking documentaries and compelling live-action dramas, the 1999 Oscars Short Film category celebrated the best and brightest emerging voices in the film industry.
Each of these short movies offered a unique perspective, showcasing exceptional creativity, technical mastery, and the ability to evoke powerful emotions within a limited runtime. In this article, we will explore the Best Short Film nominees of the 71st Academy Awards, delving into what made each film stand out in its respective category.
These extraordinary Oscar-nominated short films exemplify the profound impact that the short format can have, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression. Join us as we celebrate the exceptional artistry and storytelling brilliance of the filmmakers who left an indelible mark on cinema in 1999.
Animated Short Films
Bunny
Bunny, directed by Chris Wedge, is a heartwarming and imaginative animated short film that tells the story of an elderly rabbit named Bunny who uses a walker and is in her kitchen one night baking a cake. A pesky moth keeps interrupting her, but when the moth falls into the cake batter, it creates a portal that takes Bunny on a voyage of reunion.
The film’s style is simple yet effective, as it uses traditional hand-drawn animation to create a world that is both whimsical and nostalgic. The cinematography is also noteworthy, as it captures the essence of Bunny’s journey and the emotions she experiences along the way.
One of the standout moments in the film is when Bunny travels through the portal and is reunited with her husband, who has passed away. The scene is both poignant and uplifting, and it showcases the film’s ability to explore complex emotions in a lighthearted and entertaining way.
Overall, Bunny is a delightful and touching film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. The film’s message is clear: even in the face of loss and loneliness, there is always hope for reunion and connection.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves animation, storytelling, or who simply wants to be transported to a world of whimsy and wonder. It is a must-see for fans of Chris Wedge’s work and anyone who appreciates the art of animation. While it may be particularly appealing to older audiences, it is a great choice for anyone who enjoys charming and imaginative animated films.
The Canterbury Tales
The Canterbury Tales is a 1998 animated short film directed by Christopher Grace and Jonathan Myerson, based on the classic literary work by Geoffrey Chaucer. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1999.
The film follows a group of pilgrims who are traveling to the Canterbury Cathedral in England. Along the way, they each tell a story to pass the time, ranging from humorous to tragic, romantic to bawdy. The stories are brought to life through vivid and colorful animation, each with its own unique style.
The main characters include the Knight, the Wife of Bath, the Miller, and the Pardoner, among others. Each character has a distinct personality and backstory, making them engaging and memorable.
The animation style is a combination of traditional hand-drawn animation and computer-generated imagery. This blend gives the film a unique look that captures the spirit of the Middle Ages while still feeling modern and fresh. The animation style also contributes to the storytelling by emphasizing the themes and emotions of each story.
One standout scene is the Miller’s tale, which features a raucous and hilarious depiction of a carpenter’s wife and her two lovers. The animation perfectly captures the absurdity and humor of the story, making it a highlight of the film.
Overall, The Canterbury Tales is a delightful and engaging animated short film that is sure to appeal to fans of literature, animation, and history. Its combination of classic storytelling and modern animation makes it a standout among animated shorts. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a charming and entertaining film.
This film would be particularly enjoyable for fans of medieval literature, students studying Chaucer’s work, or anyone looking for a unique and engaging animated film.
Jolly Roger
Jolly Roger, directed by Mark Baker, is a thrilling and entertaining animated short film that tells the story of a band of pirates who capture a female passenger and send her overboard as punishment for her defiance. She vows revenge and is rescued by a small passing ship carrying only its captain, his first mate, and a cat. They cross paths with the pirates, but both sides – after seeming to have victory within their grasp – meet a fate neither could have predicted.
The film’s style is unique and visually striking, as it uses a combination of traditional hand-drawn animation and computer-generated imagery to create a world that is both gritty and fantastical. The cinematography is also noteworthy, as it captures the essence of the pirate’s journey and the emotions they experience along the way.
One of the standout moments in the film is when the pirates and the small ship engage in a fierce battle on the high seas. The scene is both intense and thrilling, and it showcases the film’s ability to create action-packed sequences that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Overall, Jolly Roger is a fantastic and enjoyable film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. The film’s message is clear: even the most unlikely heroes can rise to the occasion when faced with adversity.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves animation, storytelling, or simply wants to be transported to a world of adventure and excitement. It is a must-see for fans of Mark Baker’s work and anyone who appreciates the art of animation. While it may be particularly appealing to fans of pirate stories and action films, it is a great choice for anyone who enjoys thrilling and imaginative animated films.
More
More, directed by Mark Osborne, is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant animated short film that tells the story of a factory worker in a dark, gray world who assembles devices that promise happiness. In his spare time, he tinkers to create something better and finally succeeds in perfecting his invention, which allows people to see life through rose-colored glasses. But he has to pay a price for his success.
The film’s style is unique and visually striking, as it uses a combination of stop-motion animation and computer-generated imagery to create a world that is both bleak and beautiful. The cinematography is also noteworthy, as it captures the essence of the factory worker’s journey and the emotions he experiences along the way.
One of the standout moments in the film is when the factory worker finally completes his invention and puts on the rose-colored glasses. The scene is both poignant and uplifting, and it showcases the film’s ability to explore complex emotions in a visually stunning way.
Overall, More is a powerful and thought-provoking film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. The film’s message is clear: happiness cannot be manufactured or bought, and true joy comes from within.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves animation, storytelling, or simply wants to be transported to a world of beauty and wonder. It is a must-see for fans of Mark Osborne’s work and anyone who appreciates the art of animation. While it may be particularly appealing to fans of science fiction and dystopian stories, it is a great choice for anyone who enjoys emotionally resonant and visually stunning animated films.
When Life Departs (Når livet går sin vej)
When Life Departs (Når livet går sin vej), directed by Stefan Fjeldmark, is a poignant and thought-provoking animated short film that explores the topic of death through the eyes of children. The film features interviews with children about their relation to, feelings about, fantasies of, and fears of death. Animations show the children and illustrate what they tell. We hear about heaven/hell, the loss of younger siblings, dogs, or grandparents, and we also hear from a sick child and about believing in a life after death.
The film’s style is simple yet effective, as it uses a combination of traditional hand-drawn animation and a unique blend of live-action footage to create a world that is both relatable and emotionally resonant. The cinematography is also noteworthy, as it captures the essence of the children’s stories and the emotions they experience along the way.
One of the standout moments in the film is when a young girl talks about her fear of death and how she copes with it. The scene is both touching and insightful, showcasing the film’s ability to explore complex emotions in a way accessible to all audiences.
Overall, When Life Departs is a powerful and important film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. The film’s message is clear: death is a natural part of life, and it is important to talk about it openly and honestly.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves animation, and storytelling, or simply wants to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience. It is a must-see for fans of Stefan Fjeldmark’s work and anyone who appreciates the art of animation. While it may be particularly appealing to those who have experienced loss or are looking for ways to talk to children about death, it is a great choice for anyone who enjoys emotionally resonant and thought-provoking animated films.
Live Action Short Films
Election Night (Valgaften)
Valgaften, also known as Election Night, is a 1998 live-action short film directed by Anders Thomas Jensen. The film follows an idealistic voter who, on his way to the polls, encounters a series of racist cab drivers who make offensive remarks. The film’s subject matter is heavy, but the Danish mentality is the key to its ironic and darkly humorous tone.
The film’s visual style is simple and naturalistic, capturing the mundanity of everyday life in Denmark. The use of handheld cameras and natural lighting adds to the sense of authenticity and immediacy in the storytelling.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when the voter finally makes it to the polling station, only to realize that he has forgotten his ID. The scene is shot in a way that captures the frustration and disappointment of the character, and the use of close-ups helps to convey his emotions.
Overall, Valgaften is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of racism, politics, and the human condition. The film features strong performances from its lead actors, and the visual style and cinematography are also noteworthy, contributing significantly to the storytelling.
I recommend this film to anyone who appreciates a good drama with a touch of dark humor and social commentary. It is a film that will leave you feeling both entertained and reflective. This film is particularly suitable for those who enjoy films that challenge conventions and explore the complexities of human relationships. However, due to its mature themes and content, it may not be suitable for all audiences.
Culture
Culture is a 1997 live-action short film directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck. The film tells the story of a businessman who, after being fired from his job, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration. Along the way, he meets various people from different backgrounds and learns to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the world around him.
The film’s visual style is simple and naturalistic, capturing the beauty and diversity of the various cultures depicted in the film. The use of handheld cameras and natural lighting adds to the sense of authenticity and immediacy in the storytelling.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when the businessman attends a traditional African dance performance. The scene is shot in a way that captures the energy and vibrancy of the dance, and the use of close-ups helps to convey the emotions of the characters.
Overall, Culture is a heartwarming and thought-provoking film that explores themes of identity, diversity, and the human condition. The film features strong performances from its lead actors, and the visual style and cinematography are also noteworthy, contributing significantly to the storytelling.
I recommend this film to anyone who appreciates a good drama with a touch of cultural exploration and social commentary. It is a film that will leave you feeling both entertained and reflective. This film is particularly suitable for those who enjoy films that challenge conventions and explore the complexities of human relationships. However, due to its mature themes and content, it may not be suitable for all audiences.
Holiday Romance
Holiday Romance is a 1998 live-action short film directed by J.J. Keith. The film tells the story of a would-be thief who breaks into a house but ends up getting trapped by the homeowner, who forces him to look after the place while she is away on vacation. As the thief settles into his new surroundings, he begins to develop a romantic relationship with the homeowner’s neighbor, leading to a series of unexpected twists and turns.
The film’s visual style is simple and naturalistic, capturing the beauty and simplicity of the suburban setting. The use of natural lighting and handheld cameras adds to the sense of authenticity and immediacy in the storytelling.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when the thief and the neighbor share a romantic dinner together. The scene is shot in a way that captures the intimacy and vulnerability of the characters, and the use of close-ups helps to convey their emotions.
Overall, Holiday Romance is a charming and engaging film that explores themes of love, trust, and second chances. The film features strong performances from its lead actors, and the visual style and cinematography are also noteworthy, contributing significantly to the storytelling. Although the film may not be groundbreaking, it is a pleasant and enjoyable watch that will leave you feeling entertained and uplifted.
This film is recommended for those who enjoy romantic comedies with a touch of drama and unexpected plot twists. However, due to its mature themes and content, it may not be suitable for all audiences.
La Carte Postale (The Postcard)
La Carte Postale, also known as The Postcard, is a 1998 live-action short film directed by Vivian Goffette. The film tells the story of a young woman who receives a postcard from her lover, who is traveling in Africa. As she reads the postcard, she becomes increasingly worried and jealous, imagining all sorts of scenarios in her mind. The film explores themes of love, jealousy, and the power of imagination.
The film’s visual style is simple and naturalistic, capturing the beauty and simplicity of everyday life in France. The use of natural lighting and handheld cameras adds to the sense of authenticity and immediacy in the storytelling.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when the young woman imagines her lover having an affair with another woman. The scene is shot in a way that captures the intensity and emotional turmoil of the character, and the use of close-ups helps to convey her emotions.
Overall, La Carte Postale is a poignant and engaging film that explores the complexities of human relationships and the power of imagination. The film features strong performances from its lead actors, and the visual style and cinematography are also noteworthy, contributing significantly to the storytelling. Although the film is short, it packs a powerful emotional punch and will leave you feeling both entertained and reflective.
This film is recommended for those who enjoy romantic dramas with a touch of suspense and unexpected plot twists. However, due to its mature themes and content, it may not be suitable for all audiences.
Victor
Victor is a heartwarming and inspiring 1998 live-action short film directed by Joel Bergvall and Simon Sandquist. The film follows a young boy named Victor, who is a patient at a children’s hospital and has a passion for becoming a firefighter. His mother arranges a visit and ride-along with the gruff Bosse and his fire department, and Victor’s dream becomes a reality as he experiences the thrill of being a firefighter for a day.
The film’s visual style is simple and naturalistic, capturing the innocence and wonder of childhood. The use of natural lighting and handheld cameras adds to the sense of authenticity and immediacy in the storytelling.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Victor is taken on a ride-along with the fire department and gets to participate in a rescue mission. The scene is shot in a way that captures the excitement and adrenaline of the moment, and the use of close-ups helps to convey Victor’s emotions.
Overall, Victor is a touching and uplifting film that celebrates the power of imagination and the resilience of the human spirit. The film features strong performances from its lead actors, and the visual style and cinematography are also noteworthy, contributing significantly to the storytelling. Although the film is short, it packs a powerful emotional punch and will leave you feeling both entertained and inspired.
This film is recommended for anyone who enjoys heartwarming stories of triumph over adversity and the power of dreams. It is particularly suitable for families and children, as it promotes positive values such as courage, determination, and kindness.
Documentary Short Films
The Personals: Improvisations on Romance in the Golden Years
The Personals, directed by Keiko Ibi, is a touching and intimate documentary that follows a Jewish senior citizens’ acting group on the Lower East Side of Manhattan as they mount a play about senior citizens looking for love. The film covers both the progress and impediments of the play and the life and love stories of the players, both past, present, and future.
The film’s style is simple yet effective, as it uses a combination of candid interviews and fly-on-the-wall footage to create a world that is both authentic and engaging. The cinematography is also noteworthy, as it captures the essence of the senior citizens’ stories and the emotions they experience along the way.
One of the standout moments in the film is when one of the senior citizens talks about her past love life and how she never found the right person. The scene is both poignant and relatable, showcasing the film’s ability to explore complex emotions in a way accessible to all audiences.
Overall, The Personals is a beautiful and heartfelt film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. The film’s message is clear: love and connection are important at any age, and it is never too late to find happiness.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves documentary filmmaking, and storytelling, or simply wants to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience. It is a must-see for fans of Keiko Ibi’s work and anyone who appreciates the power of drama. While it may be particularly appealing to those interested in aging and love, it is a great choice for anyone who enjoys emotionally resonant and thought-provoking documentaries.
A Place in the Land
A Place in the Land, directed by Charles Guggenheim, is a captivating and informative documentary that tells the story of three seminal figures in the history of the conservation movement in America: George Perkins Marsh, Frederick Billings, and Laurance S. Rockefeller. Though they were born generations apart and lived very different lives, the three were connected by a common vision and a common place.
Marsh, Billings, and Rockefeller occupied the same home and surrounding land in Woodstock, Vermont – a place that instilled in each of them a determination to preserve America’s natural resources and to teach their fellow man to live in harmony with nature.
Today, their legacy and the land in Woodstock that inspired them are preserved at the Billings Farm & Museum, a museum of Vermont’s rural past and a working dairy farm, and the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park – the first National Park in America dedicated to teaching the concept of land stewardship.
The film’s style is simple yet effective, as it uses a combination of archival footage, interviews, and stunning footage of the natural landscape to create a world that is both informative and beautiful. The cinematography is also noteworthy, as it captures the essence of the land and the legacy of the men who worked to preserve it.
One of the standout moments in the film is when Laurance S. Rockefeller talks about his passion for conservation and his belief in the importance of preserving America’s natural resources. The scene is both inspiring and thought-provoking, and it showcases the film’s ability to explore complex issues in a way that is accessible to all audiences.
Overall, A Place in the Land is a powerful and important film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. The film’s message is clear: conservation and land stewardship are essential to preserving America’s natural resources for future generations.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves documentary filmmaking, and history, or simply wants to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation. It is a must-see for fans of Charles Guggenheim’s work and anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling. While it may be particularly appealing to those interested in environmentalism and conservation, it is a great choice for anyone who enjoys informative and thought-provoking documentaries.
Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square
Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square, directed by Shui-Bo Wang, is a powerful and deeply personal documentary that tells the story of the director’s life in The People’s Republic of China.
We learn of the life of the director in his own words and images from a child steeped in the values of Chinese communism exemplified by Chairman Mao to a young man striving to live up to those ideals both as an artist and a soldier. We also learn of his disillusionment with Chinese society and those same ideals, culminating in the horror of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.
The film’s style is unique and visually striking, as it uses a combination of archival footage, personal photographs, and animation to create a world that is both intimate and informative. The cinematography is also noteworthy, as it captures the essence of the director’s journey and the emotions he experiences along the way.
One of the standout moments in the film is when the director talks about his experience during the Tiananmen Square massacre and the impact it had on him personally. The scene is both haunting and emotional, and it showcases the film’s ability to explore complex issues in a way that is both personal and universal.
Overall, Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square is a powerful and important film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. The film’s message is clear: the struggle for freedom and democracy is universal, and it is important to never give up on the fight for justice.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves documentary filmmaking, and history, or simply wants to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience. It is a must-see for fans of Shui-Bo Wang’s work and anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling. While it may be particularly appealing to those interested in Chinese history and politics, it is a great choice for anyone who enjoys emotionally resonant and thought-provoking documentaries.
1999 Oscar Short Film Winners
Animated – Bunny
Live Action – Election Night (Valgaften)
Documentary – The Personals: Improvisations on Romance in the Golden Years
