The Indescribable Nth

USA, 2000, 10 Minutes

Scott, a lonely man who runs a near-bankrupt shop that sells nothing but snow globes, wishes for a son. That night someone leaves Eric, a foundling, on his doorstep, and Scott raises the boy. To cheer baby Eric, Scott shakes a glass dome with a red heart; the boy is delighted, and Scott is delighted with his son’s delight. Both share the indescribable nth. All is well until Eric grows up and shows his heart to a girl.

The Last Farm

Second place Great oak Audience Award

Iceland, 2004, 16 Minutes

In a remote corner of Iceland, winter is coming on. An aging farmer is doing his last chores before leaving with his wife for a retirement home in the city. Their daughter will be coming after the weekend to pick them up. When she calls her parents, the stoic farmer wants to make very sure she won’t come before Monday. What are these last chores?

Non-Abductee Anonymous

USA, 2001, 5 Minutes

Wearing a simple name tag, Ted looks into the camera and tells us about forming the group Non-Abductees Anonymous, for people who realize that aliens will probably never abduct them. It’s all about self-esteem, as these people tell their stories and offer each other support. They soldier on, in fact, they party on, finding reassurance in each other’s friendship.

Ready

USA, 2002, 19 Minutes

Naomi has known all her life that she will succumb to the same fate that has befallen her family for generations. Unlike her ancestors, who all made unmitigated fools of themselves trying to avoid the curse, Naomi has accepted her destiny and tells herself that she is ready...

The Delicious

USA, 2003, 16 Minutes

When asked why he likes to make films, director and actor Scott Pendergast replied, "Honestly, because I want to dress up in crazy costumes and act like a weirdo." Pendergast does what he likes in this offbeat comedy where a conservative yuppie banker finds an unusual piece of clothing in his closet and tries it on. Soon, it has taken over his life.

Intermission

Les Maison En Petit Cubes (House of Small Cubes)

winner of great oak Audience Award (tie)

Japan, 2008, 12 Minutes

As his town is flooded by water, an old man is forced to add additional levels onto his home with bricks (cubes) in order to stay dry. But when he accidentally drops his favorite smoking pipe into the lower levels of his home, his search for the pipe eventually inspires him to relive memories from his eventful life. This beautiful film is the winner of the 2009 Academy Award for Best Short Film, Animated.

Manon sur le Bitume (Manon On The Asphalt)

WINNER OF GREAT OAK AUDIENCE AWARD (TIE)

France, 2007, 16 Minutes

Manon has an accident while riding home on her bicycle. As she lays in the street, an ambulance rushing to her, her out-of-body experience lets her see friends one by one as they learn of the event. From an engaging birds-eye view, Manon discovers her life all over again. Nominated for the 2009 Academy Award for Best Short Film, Live Action.

Paper Towels

USA, 2009, 2 minutes

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Strange Invaders

Canada, 2002, 9 minutes

Doris is eager to get pregnant, so she picks up her husband Roger and has her way with him. Their lovemaking comes to the attention of space aliens, who beam a small child-like creature into their living room, with a crash. Doris is delighted; for her, it’s the child she’s always wanted. But the lad, who says only the word "peanut," eats plates and goldfish. Might it all be a bad dream, or a glimmer of what’s to come?

Farewell Packets of Ten

Ireland, 2007, 4 minutes

Two Irish women discuss the pros and cons of their mutual addiction to cigarettes.

While the Widow is Away

USA, 2005, 20 minutes

A New York building superintendent makes himself at home in the posh Manhattan apartment of a lonely widow.