Oscar nominated short films get spotlight

Paperman, an Oscar nominated animated short film from Walt Disney Studios.

Every year, the Academy Award nominations spark a fierce flash of interest among film fans.

But for decades, one category languished in the shadows — the short films.

In 2001, the shorts, both live and animated, first became available for release to movie theaters as a package program and now it’s a tradition.

Starting this Friday, Feb. 8, Rialto Cinemas will present this year’s 10 Oscar-nominated short films — five each in the animated and live-action categories. The films also are being shown at Summerfield Cinemas in Santa Rosa.

The animated nominees:

“Head Over Heels” (UK), about a couple living parallel lives and trying to regain their equilibrium.

Maggie Simpson in “The Longest Daycare” (USA), in which Maggie Simpson spends a day at the Ayn Rand Daycare Center.

“Paperman” from Walt Disney Studios (USA), a retro love story that screened as a short before the animated feature “Wreck it Ralph.”

“Fresh Guacamole” (USA), in which we learn how to transform familiar objects into Fresh Guacamole.

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“Adam and Dog” (USA), The story of the dog in the Garden of Eden.

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The live-action nominees:

“Asad” (South Africa/USA), a coming-of-age drama set in Somalia.

“Buzkashi Boys” (Afghanistan/USA), the coming-of-age story of two best friends, a charismatic street urchin and a defiant blacksmith’s son.

“Curfew” (USA), at the lowest point of his life, Richie gets a call from his estranged sister, asking him to look after his nine-year old niece.

“Dood Van Een Schaduw” (“Death of A Shadow”)(Belgium/France), a dead soldier’s imprisoned shadow is given another chance at life.

“Henry” (Canada), a great concert pianist, has his life thrown into turmoil the day the love of this life, Maria, disappears mysteriously.

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You can reach Staff Writer Dan Taylor at 521-5243 or dan.taylor@pressdemocrat.com. See his ARTS blog at arts.blogs.pressdemocrat.com.