Here are some of my favorites (so far) of the animated films at HollyShorts Film Festival. Animated films at festival range in style and theme, yet they are almost always interesting ways of getting thoughts across. Some of the animated films are artistic, some entertaining, some thought-provoking. The best are all three.

Two Black boys in Paradise (8 minutes) by director Baz Sells, based on a poem by Dean Atta. I’ve always thought short films make a nice medium for presenting a poem, and that is true of this film. Two boys are in love and refuse to hide that fact, even if it means trouble. The LGBTQ theme is obvious, but it is really about what love is and how we find ourselves. The best line is “maybe paradise is for two people at a time.” May we all find some time in paradise.

Two Ships (6 minutes) by director McKenley Benson. This film might be seen as another look at a two person paradise. A man and woman on different schedules go through their daily life. We watch as they perform a morning kitchen ballet that might be familiar to many viewers. They may not be able to always be connected, but they have the weekend to come back together. A nice look at love that does not rely on intensity for its power.

Hurikán (13 minutes) directed by Jan Sacka. A pig-man named Hurikán tries to impress a bartender he’s crushing on by getting a new keg of beer so she won’t have to close up her bistro. As the day progresses, he must deal with thieves, police, and lots of stairs. It is a day that really doesn’t go right for anyone. This one is heavy on the entertainment aspect.

Help Me Tom (14 minutes) directed by Yang Jiahang. A robot wakes up in the ruins of a city. As he wanders, he remembers the city before. He remembers the people he helped (that was his job). He remembers that they were happy and thankful and welcoming. But then war came. All that is left is rubble. He goes about restoring the city, but without the people it is empty and depressing. This is a poignant look at the cost of war as both a loss of life, and a loss of community that can never be restored. The film is an invitation to consider places like Ukraine and Gaza (among many others).

Ovary-Acting (12 minutes) by director Ida Melum. First off, great title. At her sister’s baby shower, Eva must put up with all the questions about when she is going to have a baby. To make matters worse, her uterus and ovaries, come to life and try to pressure her as well. She’s not necessarily opposed, but wants the freedom to decide for herself the life she will live.

Retirement Plan (7 minutes) from director John Kelly. This is another film that is almost like a poem. A man considers what he will do when he retires (starting with answer all the emails he’s flagged). Oh, the things we want to do when we have the “time.” But then again, do we really need to wait to have a full life? As one who lives in retirement, I’ve got to say this film nails it. What makes it more than just a dream of the future is that it also show some of the losses that come with aging as well.