A wide-ranging celebration of short films, including the best animated independent films this year and the winners of our own Tumbleweeds Kids Film Competition from 2023!
Blueberry
Directed by Stephanie Glover | 5 min | 2023 | USA Dramatic | Animated Non-Vocal
A determined, practical boy has a change of heart when his favorite food comes to life.
Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Making of “Blueberry”
Directed by Stephanie Glover | 5 min | 2023 | USA Dramatic | Live Action Screens in English
The creator of the animated short “Blueberry” gives insight to the inspiration, planning, collaboration, and production involved in making this film.
Kintsugi
Directed by Cleto Acosta-McKillop | 8 min | 2023 | USA Dramatic | Animated Non-Vocal
Based on the Japanese legend of the lucky cats, Kintsugi tells a story of a traditional lucky cat of Japan that is threatened and jealous when a newer, modern version of a lucky cat is placed at the business next door. Blinded by his own insecurities he fails to see what made him unique and special in the first place. An enthralling short animated children’s fantasy with a unique and youthful perspective on comparing yourself to others and embracing your flaws and imperfections with Kintsugi.
An Ostrich Told Me the World is Fake and I Think I Believe It
Directed by Lachlan Pendragon | 11 min | 2022 | Australia Dramatic | Animated Screens in English
When a young telemarketer is confronted by a mysterious talking ostrich, he learns that the universe is stop motion animation. He must put aside his dwindling toaster sales and focus on convincing his colleagues of his terrifying discovery. It’s scary business living in a stop motion world, where your faces come off and a giant hand controls your every move.
All is Not Lost
Directed by Daniel Mark Greaves & Ruth Beni | 11 min | United Kingdom Dramatic | Animated Non-Vocal
When a cataclysmic volcanic eruption flings a jumble of debris deep into a dark underground cave, these shattered components of life, an assortment of shells, sticks, eyes, rocks and limbs driven by the eternal instinct for survival, quickly reassemble into new living creatures.
A Boy’s Ballet Story
Directed by Elizabeth Camilla Marie Flores & Daniel Owoseni Ajala | 5 min | USA Dramatic | Live Action Non-Vocal
Excerpt from “Life of a Dancer” ballet by Elizabeth Flores. A short ballet film based on a true story. A film to inspire us to be kind to those who are different and see the beauty in our diversity.
Gaps
Directed by Jenn Shaw | 11 min | USA Dramatic | Live Action Screens in English
An imaginative preteen from a close-knit family finds herself at a crossroads while deciding to keep her gapped teeth or risk it all for the seemingly “perfect” smile.
Dinohorse
Directed by Sloan Henderson | 2 min | USA Dramatic | Live Action Screens in English
This 2023 Tumbleweeds Kids Film Competition winner tells the story of Dinohorse, a half-dinosaur-half-horse critter, and their positive outlook on making friends and having fun.
Late
Directed by James Calderwood | 2 min | USA Dramatic | Live Action Non-Vocal
A fifth grade student accidentally sleeps through his alarm. Watch as he uses creative methods to get to school on time in this fast-paced 2023 Tumbleweeds Kids Film Competition winner.
Sister Sister Jinx
Directed by Sophia McDonald | 3 min | USA Dramatic | Live Action Screens in English
Sibling rivalry can get intense. Mischievous mystery ensues when a girl topples her younger sister’s tower of blocks in this 2023 Tumbleweeds Kids Film Competition winner.
