We host an annual Oscar in my tiny little Seattle apartment. We invite 10 or so people over, eat way too much food, drink just enough, and watch Hollywood's biggest party of the year. Every year, the question I most often get is, "Where did you see the nominated short films?" Every year, I explain what little independent theater I had to venture to see this wonderful films and every year I am ashamed at how few people see these wonderful movies. Once again, this year didn't disappoint.

These films are the greatest example I can find of storytelling in its purest form. They concern themselves with only the facts. They don't have time for much else but in that search for truth, they come across real human emotions and honest reactions to the moment. They also use fantastic imagination to deliver us an unforgettable plot. Take this year's winner for Best Live Action Short, "Sing." 

"Sing" began like any other film focused on kids. We follow the new kid in school as she tries to find her place and make new friends. She loves to sing and her new school happens to have an award-winner choir. Her teacher has other ideas, though. During a solo performance, the teacher asks the new girl to not sing, but instead mime the words. This is our conflict. I won't give away the ending, but it deserves to be seen. In fact, all of these movies deserve to be seen. In their own right, they are just as good as "La La Land" or "Moonlight." 

Be good to each other, 

-Nathan