The idea of another Holocaust film, even a short, is not necessarily enthralling. But you will have a lump in the back of your throat by the end of Oscar-winning Toyland (Spielzeugland). Set in 1942, and co-written with Johann Bunners, Toyland is the name a German mother invents when her son asks where his Jewish neighbours are going. An ending reminiscent of Sophie's Choice makes it all worthwhile. Click on captions to bring up subtitles.
West Bank Story by Ari Sandel (2006) (USA) (21m)
West Bank Story won the Academy Award for Best Short Film in 2007. It is a musical comedy written by its director and Kim Ray. West Bank Story takes its musical cue from West Side Story, which took its story from Romeo & Juliet. And if you don't know what Romeo & Juliet is then I'm surprised you can read this. David, an Israeli soldier, falls in love with Fatima, a beautiful Palestinian cashier, despite the animosity between their families' warring restaurants.
Six Shooter had been nominated for the BAFTA short film award in 2005 before winning the Acedemy Award for Best Short Film in 2006. Six Shooter, a black comedy, finds Brendon Gleeson returning home after his wife has died in hospital. However, he is not the only one returning from the hospital today and a cocky Rúaidhrí Conroy is about turn the train ride into a comic tragedy.
The 45th Academy Awards were presented March 27, 1973 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles. The ceremonies were presided over by Carol Burnett, Michael Caine, Charlton Heston, and Rock Hudson.