I like the Shorts for Shorties programme because the films are selected with children in mind but they appeal to the silly child in all of us… The programme celebrates animation. And we get to learns some good lessons as well as see some really cute, fun and super silly characters.
I really enjoyed the whole programme but here are some of my faves… maybe you and the kids will be wowed and laugh as silly as I did.
Canadian short Just Another Floor Kid’s Battle. In which, two very skilled breakdancers battle one another to some really cool beats… Regardless of ability, both B-Boyz have excellent battling skills. The animation will also impress you.
From Zimbawe we see two episodes of Jungle Beat. I Believe I Can Fly is about a little ostrich really believes he can fly; perseverance eventually pays off. Of course, he also needs to learn that safety is of utmost importance. And You Don’t Bring Me Flowers is all about love! A gazelle tries high and low to impress a female gazelle with a single flower. Not so sure his strategies are the best though… He’ll definitely make you laugh.
Another Canadian series that made me laugh myself silly is Black and White. There are eight episodes presented and they are all less than a minute long; so don’t blink for long. You’ll meet David and Steven, two square characters, literally. They’re nonsensical and they really think they’re funny… and you know what, I laughed myself silly… “Oh man,… oh man… oh man!!”
And from the UK we get to see Wallace and Gromit again! In A Matter of Loaf and Death, the duo now owned a bakery but of course, Wallace has to fall in love and leave all the work for Gromit to do! Not to mention there is a serial killer after all pastry chefs on the loose. Will Wallace and Gromit stay out danger? You’ll have to watch to find out.
These are just highlights of the programme. It shows tomorrow, Saturday June 20th at 12:12pm at the ROM. Children under 12 get in for FREE, so there is no excuse not to take them to the movies… And if you have time afterwards, Jon Izen the creator of Black and White will be on hand for a short animation workshop sponsored by the CBC.
