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Animated shorts at AFF
If you get a chance to check out the animated shorts, be sure to attend the next screening of “Shorts 10” on Wednesday.
The collection of nine shorts is easily one of the best compilations of the festival.
Two big favorites: “The Not-So-Great Eugene Green” and “The King of the Island.”
Most of the entries here are from outside the States. “Eugene Green” is from Australia, and full of the quirky humor that the Down Under is known for. “The King of the Island” is from Italy, and is the most touching of the shorts.
“Eugene Green” deals with a guy who thinks he’s terribly funny, with his “gulp, gulp” antics involving his very long throat. But no one else seems to get the joke, except a diminutive young woman with big glasses. And when she laughs, her voice is loud enough to shatter glass — and even buildings. It’s simply charming, and proves that there’s someone for everyone.
“The King of the Island” is more contemplative, dealing with a boy whose father has gone missing on a ship. He dreams of his father’s heroic looks and imagines all sorts of feats, based on what he sees as model fathers in his native Italy. But when he finally meets his long-lost dad, he is disappointed with him. The dad is dumpy, less-than-heroic-looking. And he seems to be the consummate loser. As you might expect, the son begins to realize that his initial judgments were wrong and that his father really is a hero. This touching short is beautifully animated and deserves as wide audience.
Be prepared for a crowded venue. The Hideout Theater was packed for the first screening on Friday. The next screening is Wednesday at the Independent at 501.
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