From the hundreds of thousands of films released online last year to the 200+ we featured on Short of the Week to the 30 nominees and now to 9 winners and just one Short of the Year—it’s been a long journey. These are the greatest films from the past year that took the torch of short film and charged into the unknown. While the Oscars seem predictable, these films explored new genres, new characters, new styles, and left an impression upon us we can’t ever shake.

Short of the Year!

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Documentary Matan Rochlitz & Ivo Gormley

The Runners

Pounding the tarmac through the seasons, a band of runners are brazenly challenged with intimate questions as they pace their routes.

Winners!

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Western Edson Oda

Malaria

Classic face off with Death told through a series of drawings and objects.

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Comedy Todd Sklar

'92 Skybox Alonzo Mourning Rookie Card

After Dad dies, two brothers reunite to continue their childish rivalry in this hilarious Sundance short that spawned the feature, Awful Nice.

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Drama Linsey Stewart & Dane Clark

Margo Lily

A couple is determined to plant a tree in the middle of winter following the loss of their child.

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Fantasy Jorge Tereso & Fernando Maldonado

Shave It

The Argentinian house 3DAR puts together an astounding passion project. Faced with the destruction of his habitat from encroaching development, a monkey decides to change the system from the inside.

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Comedy Mark Lester

Orange Drive

A year in the life of a guy and his car. A funny/romantic/tragic short film.

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Drama Jonathan Ng

Requiem For Romance

In this "crouching love, hidden breakup" story, inspired by 50's Shanghai water ink animation & kung fu films, themes of distance, tradition, art and longing dominate a telephonic conversation.

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Drama Andrew Renzi

Karaoke!

On a night out in New York City, a young man avoids his problems.

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Sci-Fi Jesse Atlas

RECORD/PLAY

War, fate, and a broken walkman transcend space and time in this sci-fi love story.

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Documentary Brian McGinn

The Record Breaker

Ashrita Furman holds the official record for the most Guinness World Records by one individual. This is his story.

Audience Award

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Drama Andrew Renzi

Karaoke!

On a night out in New York City, a young man avoids his problems.