The power of cinema is not confined to its length, but rather to its impact. This is why many short features have influenced great filmmakers and jumpstarted infinite careers in movie-making. From the OSCARS to the Golden Globe, these flicks have won numerous accolades and surpassed the run time barrier. In this listicle below, we have compiled critically acclaimed 10 Foreign Language Short Films to Watch and savour in less than 24 hours.
Here are 10 Foreign Language Short Films to Watch
1. Two Cars, One Night (2004)
Two Cars, One Night is one of the earliest Taika Watiti flicks that captured his innate talent for storytelling. The short film revolves around two local Maori kids from different socio-economic backgrounds, that find themselves together for a long and deep conversation inside a parking lot. The film is mostly in the Maori language, with bits of English, and was nominated for Best Short Feature (Live) at the Academy Awards.
The short film is about the nature of the conversation, and the difference between identities. Furthermore, it has inspired several indie filmmakers and also skyrocketed Taika’s career ever since. You can stream it for free on YouTube.
2. Hedgehog in the Fog (1975)
Hedgehog in the Fog is a Russian Language short film about a Hedgehog and a bear cub, and their daily ritual of conversation and snacking together. The short flick is centred around the theme of innocence and mutual co-existence and is heartwarming for everyone.
You can watch the critically acclaimed soviet era short film on Youtube.
3. Dobli (2006)
Dobli is a Dutch language short film centred around a young African boy living in the Netherlands. The meticulous flick captures his relationship with the younger sibling, who seems to get all the attention from the parents. Moreover, this short film will definitely make you emotional.
It is directed by Johan Timmers, written by Paula Udondek, and coproduced by KRO Youth and IJswater Films. You can watch the short film on Youtube.
4. The Red Balloon (1956)
The Red Baloon is a French-language short film which describes a simple yet beautiful chemistry between a human and a thing. Pascal, a young boy, finds a large red balloon which has a mind of its own. The balloon accompanies the boy’s journey and follows his little steps through Paris.
The concept received worldwide praise and even an OSCAR for the best short film. The film was directed by Albert Lamorisse and is available to watch on Youtube.
5. Night and Fog (1955)
Night and Fog is a war-based short film by Alain Resnais. It attempts to put light on the aftermath of world war, particularly the holocaust. The acclaimed director Alain Resnais documents the haunting and abandoned grounds of Auschwitz, an epicentre of Nazi crimes. The making of the flick took a year to complete and later received a positive response. Notably, the film was released on french television to remind people of Nazi horrors. The film was directed by Alain Resnais and Narrated by Michel Bouquet. You can stream it on Youtube.
6. The Phone Call (2013)
The Phone Call is an Oscar-winning British short drama film. Heather is a crisis hotline counsellor trying to save Stanley by preventing him to commit suicide through her diverting words and wisdom. Does Heather succeed or fail? The answer lies in the 20-minute phone call.
The film was directed by Mat Kirkby and stars Academy Award-winning actress Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water, Mammals) in the lead role. Moreover, you can watch it on YouTube.
7. The Man Who Planted Trees (1987)
A book story turned film The Man Who Planted Trees is a fictional tale of a shepherd who single-handedly reforests a province in the Alps during the 20th century. The critically acclaimed french short film was directed by FrédéricBack and is available to watch on Youtube.
8. Father and Daughter (2000)
This emotional wrecking short flick is about a father who adieus and leaves her daughter. Just like seasons change, the girl changes and grows into a woman, a wife and a mother. She turns old but somewhere in her heart, she misses her father and the logging stays. A beautiful and heart-melting animation in dutch which won several awards and acclamations. You can watch is the short film on YouTube.
9. Hotel Chevalier (2007)
Hotel Chevalier is a 13-minute short film featuring Jason Schwartzman and Natalie Portman. It shows a reunion of two former lovers in a hotel room and is filled with emotional intensity. The film serves as a treat for the fans of The Darjeeling Limited and was one of the most discussed short films of the year 2007. The film was directed by Wes Anderson and is available to watch on iTunes.
10. A Day in the Country (1946)
A Day in the Country is a romantic short film set in a French background. A Parisian shop owner’s young daughter, while on a vacation in the country, falls in love with a boy. Whatever happens next is a tale to see. The film is based on a short story “Une partie de campagne” (1881) by Guy de Maupassant. The film was directed by Jean Renoir and is available to stream on Criterion.
Tell us your favourite flick from the list of 10 Foreign Language Short Films to Watch in the comment section below.
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