THE OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS 2025 - LIVE ACTION
Prague
Oscar season brings strong stories in the form of live-action short films that will compete for the prestigious statuette. The five nominated films represent a diverse range of human destinies and dilemmas - from the struggle with the immigration system in the US, to the choice between education and work in India, to the philosophical question of human identity in a digital world. The selection also includes a gritty account of poaching in Africa and a chilling testimony from the Yugoslav conflict. Each of these films proves that even the short format can convey deep emotions and important social issues.
A LIEN (USA)
Director: David Cutler-Kreutz, Sam Cutler-Kreutz | Producers: Rebecca Eskreis, Sam Cutler-Kreutz, David Cutler-Kreutz, Tara Sheffer |
Star: Victoria Ratermanis, Sydney Afriyie, Mike Aquilino |
Year: 2023 | Length: 14 min | Live Action |
On the day of their green card interview, a young couple confronts a dangerous immigration process.
ANUJA (India, USA)
Director: Adam J. Graves | Producers: Suchitra Mattai, Mindy Kaling, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Krushan Naik, Michael Graves, Aaron Kopp, Ksheetij Saini, Alexandra Blaney |
Star: Nagesh Bhonsle, Rudolfo Rajeev Hubert, Sajda Pathan |
Year: 2024 | Length: 22 min | Live Action |
Anuja tells the story of a gifted nine-year-old girl who, alongside her sister Palak, faces a life-changing opportunity that tests their bond and mirrors the struggles of girls worldwide.
I’M NOT A ROBOT (The Netherlands, Belgium)
Director: Victoria Warmerdam | Producer: Trent |
Star: Antony Hall, Nicki Whitely |
Year: 2023 | Length: 22 min | Live Action |
After repeatedly failing CAPTCHA tests, music producer Lara becomes obsessed with a disturbing question: could she be a robot?
THE LAST RANGER (South Africa)
Director: Cindy Lee | Producers: Darwin Shaw, Will Hawkes |
Star: Avumile Qongqo, Liyabona Mroqoza, Makhaola Ndebele |
Year: 2024 | Length: 28 min | Live Action |
When young Litha is introduced to the magic of a game reserve by the last remaining ranger, they are ambushed by poachers. In the ensuing battle to save the rhinos, Litha discovers a terrible secret.
THE MAN WHO COULD NOT REMAIN SILENT (Croatia, Bulgaria, France, Slovenia)
Director: Nebojša Slijepčević | Producers: Antitalent, Norfolk films, Contrast Films & Studio Virc |
Star: Goran Bogdan, Dragan Micanovic, Alexis Manenti |
Year: 2024 | Length: 13 min | Live Action |
In the middle of winter, a passenger train is stopped by paramilitary forces. As they arrest innocent civilians, only one man out of 500 dares to stand up to them. This is the true story of a man who could not remain silent.
Total length of the screening 102 min. In original language with Czech and English subtitles.
