Short film is an interesting medium to work with—the end goal is still to create a complete and well crafted statement, be that through plot lines, character development or more experimental means, all the while considering the economy of your minutes and the longevity of your subject. Short films are everywhere nowadays, what with YouTube and OnNetworks streaming straight into your home, but most of the time the stuff you see on the internet doesn't hold up to the quality of work that you would see at say, a local film festival.

Every year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences does the heavy lifting for us and sifts through thousands of "Best in Category" winners from short film festivals around the globe, selecting a scant ten films to receive nominations for both Best Animated and Best Live Action Academy Awards. Since we aren't exactly jet-setters and hadn't had the chance to see any of these films in past years, that simulcast moment was always considered snack break time in our household. However, this year, when that shiny gold statue is handed over, we will have the chance to cheer or jeer with authority, because the Alamo Drafthouse will be presenting all ten nominated films, which are all under 40 minutes each, in two shorts programs slated to run for a week, starting tomorrow!

With incredibly varied subject matter, there is sure to be a film amongst the group that you really love, that is if you don't fawn over every single one. And, come on, if you hate any of the films, the next picture will start in about 20 minutes, at the most.