Starter, main course and dessert all in one: Kaboom's International Short Film Competition.
Remember that time when cinema was not a thing yet? When animation only existed within faraway dreams? Dreadful. And then Kaboom came along. Dreams became reality, and animation was king of kings. Okay okay, perhaps our story is missing a few beats, but here’s the gist: after more than a century of cinema, it all comes down to this: a showdown between animators from all over the world, dubbed the Kaboom International Short Film Competition. Whoever comes out on top, know that the one true winner is already known: the art of animation.
At a midnight highway rest area, the weary bus travelers each quietly relax their minds. A brief moment spent with complete strangers is lonely, yet somehow comforting. Sweet, small observations of traveling life by Japanese director Saki Muramoto.
In A Round of Applause for Death, death takes center stage as faceless spectators applaud the inevitable in a series of murderous dreams. A macabre and surreal journey, rich in comedic timing and repetition, by British award winning director Stephen Irwin.
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In the sea, a man swims. As he does, memories come to the surface. From his early childhood to his life as a man, all his memories are linked to water. Some are happy, some glorious, some traumatic. This story will be that of his last swim. Powerful, heart-wrenching work by director Florence Miailhe.
Sam, Lexi, and Jane spend the first day of eighth grade plotting to secure the ultimate lunch table. Their plans unravel when Katy, a preppy sixth-grade TikTok influencer, beats them to the coveted spot. A rebellious, lighthearted high school story filled with bullying and power games, by Los Angeles-based director Ofre Sparrow Vaknin.
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Gina, a young musician, spends the weekend at her family’s mountain hut to focus on her music. However, strange figures intrude, disrupting the peace with their obtrusive behavior. The escalating tension leads to an emotional explosion and a casual flower jam. A great student film by Swiss director Laura Kohler.
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What if Władysław Starewicz, Tim Burton and Terry Gilliam would make a movie together? It might as well end up looking like Les Bêtes! A mysterious rabbit with a set of magic keys summons a host of strange creatures to entertain a wicked king and his decadent court. Terrific dark stop-motion animated fantasy by director Michael Granberry.
To give a snake an orange… MIMT is a fable about animals chasing each other across planes of existence. A beautifully crafted, abstract, experimental animation by director Ted Wiggin.
Six-year-old Lily visits her grandmother after she has had a mastectomy and no longer has breasts. Confused by her grandmother's changed appearance, Lily struggles to understand and tries to find a way to cope with the change. Beautifully animated in picture book style by Iranian creator Shadab Shayegan.
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Dumped waste lies around two garbage containers. An old mattress sighs, "They say I’m dirty..." As the objects share their stories, an old piece of paper begins to dance gracefully, sparking a profound, musical transformation in how the waste perceives itself. With The Refusers, Dutch director Wiep Teeuwisse delivers a playful, all-around fun short.
This five-act social satire examines the behaviors and flaws of our society. Director Piotr Milczarek presents a cautionary tale, warning of the consequences we may face if we fail to address foolishness, apathy, and irresponsibility. With light, engaging visuals, There Will Be No Other End delivers a powerful message.
Kaboom Animation Festival is the one-stop-shop for the latest and greatest in all things animated. Ranging from cutting-edge experimental arthouse to colorful stories for families and kids, Kaboom will cater to the animation needs of all. Yes, even yours, my amazing weirdo friend!
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