Today, we take a look at the most recent animated short films released in 2023, highlighting the exceptional work of artists from diverse cultural backgrounds who draw inspiration from their personal experiences.
These animated short films cover the works of filmmakers who are able to delve into topics that resonate with their cultural heritage and individual identities. By combining stunning visuals, innovative storytelling, and deep emotional resonance, these films offer a glimpse into the lives and perspectives of artists from various corners of the world. Through their artistry, they shed light on the universal themes that connect us all while celebrating the richness of our differences.
These filmmakers skillfully blend personal narratives, folklore, and social commentary to craft visually stunning and thought-provoking narratives that leave a lasting impression.
Let’s explore ten of the most recent animated short films from 2023, each created by artists who draw on their unique cultural backgrounds.
Armat
The Swiss animated short film Armat won the Anča Award for Best Animated Short Film at the Fest Anča International Animation Festival in Žilina, Slovakia. The film was directed by Elodie Dermange and explores the story of a young girl who is forced to confront her fears and anxieties. The festival had a utopian theme and the winners were announced at the event’s closing ceremony on July 1, 2023.
Rabbit Stories
“Rabbit Stories”, or ᏥᏍᏚ ᎠᏥᏃᎮᏍᎬᎢ is a 21-minute animated short film created by Cherokee Nation citizen and animator Joseph Erb. The film premiered on May 27, 2023, at Roots Church in Tahlequah. The film combines digital technology and the Cherokee language using fluent Cherokee speakers and second-language learners. The film takes viewers on a voyage of Cherokee life in a modern-day setting while still holding the traditional values and culture of Cherokee people. The purpose of the film was to create something for the community to enjoy and advocate for the Cherokee language at the same time. The film is a combination of entertainment and activism, and it encourages people to think about why there isn’t more content in the Cherokee language.
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Where the Wild Jawns Are
“Where the Wild Jawns Are” is an animated short produced by South Fellini, a Philadelphia-based brand that specializes in remixing Philadelphia’s iconography into fun parodies and colorful mashups. The short follows the travails of three South Philly monsters and is full of in-jokes and loving mockery that’s become the hallmark of the South Fellini brand.
The project sprang out of an art installation that South Fellini co-founders Johnny Zito and Tony Trov did with street artist Kid Hazo during the pandemic, which featured giant cutouts of the monsters, who all sport South Fellini designs, spread out around the Navy Yard. The short was released on YouTube on April 25, 2023, and mixes new animation with footage that has appeared on South Fellini’s social media pages over the last year.
Cassini
The animated short film ‘Cassini’ is a celebration of the accomplishments of the Cassini mission to Saturn. It is a must-watch film that lasts just under 4 minutes. The film showcases the final orbits of the Cassini spacecraft at Saturn. ‘Cassini’ is a tribute to the Cassini mission and its achievements at Saturn.
Where to watch
Mr. Pete & the Iron Horse
“Mr. Pete & the Iron Horse” is an animated short film that was released in 2021. The film was directed by Kilian Vilim and produced by YK Animation, a Swiss animation studio based in Bern. The film follows the story of Mr. Pete, a diligent soldier who does everything to meet the high standards of his baroness. The baroness has an insatiable lust for speed, and to satisfy her, Mr. Pete shovels madly on their trip on her new iron horse. The film explores the theme of “acceleration in our society”. “Mr. Pete & the Iron Horse” has been described as an “awesomely dark” animated short film. It has won awards and has been well-received by audiences and critics alike.
Where to watch
The TOBOS
“The TOBOS” is a trippy vintage animation short film about connection created by Tobias Rud, a filmmaker from Copenhagen, Denmark. The synopsis of the film is not explained in the search results. The film was released in 2023 and has gained attention for its unique and psychedelic visuals. It is not related to the 1940 Disney film “Fantasia,” which also features abstract visuals set to classical music.
Where to watch
Jiggly Wiggly
“Jiggly Wiggly” is an animated short created by Eva Münnich. The short is described as a “psychedelic animation” featuring a playful character embracing the shape of their body while reminding viewers that they are a “cutie pie”. The short was recently released in July 2023 and has been featured in several online publications, including Creative Boom and Graphic Arts Today. It has also been premiered on Instagram by Greenhouse Animation, an emerging talent roster in collaboration.
Lackadaisy
“Lackadaisy” is an American independent animated short film based on the webcomic of the same name by Tracy Butler. The film was also crowdfunded on Kickstarter and was released in March 2023. The storyline of the animated short film revolves around the Lackadaisy, a speakeasy located in St. Louis, Missouri during the Prohibition era. The film follows a group of anthropomorphic cats who are involved in a fun and action-filled adventure.
The story features elements such as car chases, shootouts, and a touch of comedy. It showcases the underground world of the speakeasy, the challenges faced by its owners and patrons, and the rum-running activities that take place during this time. This animated short film combines elements of crime, adventure, and comedy to create an entertaining and visually stunning experience.
Where to watch
To My Daughter
Coming soon: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, known for her roles in “Loki” and “Belle,” will be narrating the animated short film “To My Daughter”. The film is an adaptation of a chapter from the debut book “This Thread of Gold” by Catherine Joy White. The chapter, titled “Daughter,” is a letter written to White’s imagined daughter. Mbatha-Raw will voice the narrator who guides the audience through the film. She expressed her excitement about the project, stating that she was captivated by the poetry of White’s words and is proud to give them a voice in the animated short film.
The film aims to explore themes of joy, legacy, and mischief. It is described as an important film for the next generation of little girls. The animated short is currently in production.
Way Better
The short film “Way Better” from Lithuania won the Best Animated Short award at the Palm Springs International ShortFest in 2023. The film centers around a man who is expecting the worst but hoping for the best from his upcoming medical test results. He spends a week in a state of anticipation, dreading things that haven’t happened yet. The film received recognition for its storytelling and animation, earning it the prestigious award at the festival.
The film aims to explore themes of joy, legacy, and mischief. It is described as an important film for the next generation of little girls. The animated short is currently in production.
Overwatch 2: Sojourn
Overwatch 2 is teasing an upcoming animated short for the character Sojourn. Here is what we know so far.
The animated short will be released after the ongoing mini-series, Overwatch 2 Genesis. The short is expected to provide players with a deep understanding of Sojourn’s background while simultaneously setting the stage for the Null Sector invasion. The short will premiere inside the game on August 4, 2023. Overall, the Sojourn animated short is highly anticipated by fans of Overwatch 2 who are eager to learn more about the character and the game’s story.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
“The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” has won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 95th Annual Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. The film is based on the book by Charlie Mackesy and features the voices of Tom Hollander, Idris Elba, Gabriel Byrne, and Jude Coward Nicoll.
It tells the story of a boy, a mole, a fox, and a horse traveling together in the boy’s search for home. The film has been praised for its stunning animation and its message of kindness, acceptance, and hope. In addition to the Academy Award, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” has also won a BAFTA Award for Best British Short Animation.
