With Oscar nominations now doing the rounds, we decided to shine a light on the real life stories captured in the short film medium.
From love conquering all to mental health issues to drug epidemics, the line up of short documentary subjects in this year's nominations gives us insights into some of the biggest challenges confronting America, through some of the most intimate stories you are likely to see. Check out our highlights of this year's nominees for best documentary short below.
EDITH+EDDIE
Dir: Laura Checkoway
In 2014 96 year-old Edith Hill and 95 year-old Eddie Harrison are married, unconcerned that one is African American and the other is white. The newlyweds are forced apart, however, when one of her daughters, unhappy about their relationship, forces her mother to leave her Virginia home and move to Florida.
Watch a clip from Edith+Eddie below and check out the official website here.
HEAVEN IS A TRAFFIC JAM ON THE 405
Dir: Frank Stiefel
Artist Mindy Alper has spent almost all of her 56 years combating severe depression and anxiety, using medication, electroconvulsive therapy and psychiatry to help her. Art has always been her most effective outlet, with drawing and sculpture offering her the tools to give voice to her fears and mental battles.
Check out a clip of the film below and find out more at the official website here. The full film is currently available to view here courtesy of IndieWire.
HEROIN(E)
Dir: Elaine McMillon Sheldon
Huntington, West Virginia, known as the overdose capital of America, sees an average of five to seven drug overdoses every day. Three women - a fire chief, a drug court judge and the head of an outreach ministry - are attempting to take back their community by using compassion to break the cycle of despair and addiction.
Find out more about this Netflix original short at the official website.
KNIFE SKILLS
Dir: Thomas Lennon
In 2013, restauranteur Brandon Chrostowski is about to launch Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute in Cleveland. Aiming to become the best traditional French restaurant in America, Edwin's eatery is staffed primarily by men and women recently released from prison, who have only six weeks to learn the skills that will better their lives and propel the venture to new success.
Find out more about Knife Skills at the official website here.
TRAFFIC STOP
Dir: Kate Davis
In June 2016, a 26 year-old African-American elementary school teacher named Breaion King was pulled over by a white police officer for a routine traffic stop. The incident escalated into a violent arrest, followed by a conversation about race in America between King and another white officer while he drove her to the station.
You can see the KVUE interview with Breaion King here. You can also get more info on Traffic Stop via HBO here.
Click to see the nominations for Best Animated Short and Best Live Action Short.