Every month, the Vimeo Curation team finds the best short films on the internet and serves them up on a silver platter, a.k.a. the Best of Staff Picks series. For a bite-size taste of essential watching, we present this playlist of our faves. Sit back, press play, and enjoy!
Action Sports
“REI Presents: Venture Out,” from REI, directed by Spruce Tone Films and Jamie DiNicola
The Venture Out Project is a non-profit organization whose goal is to create a safe space for the queer and trans community to experience the beauty of the great outdoors. Press play to meet its founder, Perry Cohen, and the good hearted people who make up this inspiring group.
Animation
“Simbiosis Carnal,” directed by Rocio Alvarez
To put it plainly, this brilliant Staff Pick Premiere is about sex. A poetic journey through the history of animal evolution, “Simbiosis Carnal” is a gorgeously animated, detailed chronology worthy of 2D animation, gender studies, and high school health classes alike. (Read more about “Simbiosis Carnal” in our interview with the filmmaker, here.)
Branded Content
“Hapa,” directed by Shal Ngo
With a white mother and an Asian father, Shal Ngo assumed that his ethnic background was a clean-cut 50/50. But a DNA test from 23andme revealed a different set of numbers. A difference of 2.5% sent Ngo on a journey of reflection on his background and identity. He shares that with us in this hyper creative branded piece.
Comedy
“Cyclists,” from Prime Render Studios, directed by Veljko Popovic
In 2006, Croatian artist Vasko Lipovac passed away, revealing a collection sexually charged artwork that made his family blush. “Cyclists” is an award-winning animation inspired by those salacious pieces of work. (Read more about “Cyclists” in our interview with the filmmaker, here.)
Documentary
“Ode to Desolation,” directed by Lindsey Hagen
For several decades, naturalist and illustrator Jim Henterly has watched over the mountains of the Pacific Northwest from a fire lookout. In a small, window-covered home at the top of a mountain, he and partner Ann Marie raised a family, created gorgeous art, and marveled at Earth’s beauty while protecting it. What has Henterly thought about during many hours of quiet and solace? Lindsey Hagen’s directorial debut dives in. (Read more about “Ode to Desolation” in our interview with the filmmaker, here.)
Drama
“Doublespeak,” directed by Hazel McKibbin
It’s woefully common to hear of sexual harassment in the workplace. But it’s rare to get a glimpse into the damaging, dismissive behavior of those tasked with identifying and ousting predators. To put it bluntly, “Doublespeak” is a powerful demonstration of the ways in which employers fail to protect their victims, while shaming and insulting them in the process.
“-SHIP: A Visual Poem,” directed by Terrance Daye
Winner of the 2020 Sundance Jury Award for U.S Narrative Fiction, “-SHIP: A Visual Poem” explores themes of masculinity, sexuality, grief, and Blackness in today’s America through the eyes of a young boy. (Read more about “-SHIP: A Visual Poem” in our interview with the filmmaker, here.)
“Sickboy,” directed by Julian Muller
Every day that passes in New York City, Jeff finds a way to get through it. Maybe he’s driven to find love. Maybe he’s driven to find a connection. Or maybe he’s just driven to do what he has to do to survive, however erratic or unforgivable it might be. This Safdie-inspired drama had us hooked from minute numero uno. (Read more about “Sickboy” in our interview with the filmmaker, here.)
Experimental
“Fork,” from Optical Arts
How do you explain Optical Arts’ two Staff Picks, in which silverware, plates, and furniture are smashed, melded together and fly around rooms in artful patterns? Either they’ve hired Mickey Mouse in a wizard suit, or we’ve discovered a collective of maniacal sorcerers in the 3D animation world.
“Portrait of a Black Man,” directed by Morgan Cooper
Creator Morgan Cooper has been hot on our radar since his re-imagining of “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” went viral. A rising star whose work often addresses what it means to be African American today, he also snagged a Best of the Year nomination for Adorama’s “U SHOOT VIDEOS?“. “Portrait of a Black Man” is a lyrical piece combining the words of legendary Black activists with stunning images that Cooper directed, filmed, and edited himself.
Music Video
“MINE,” from Tjoff Koong Studios, directed by Tezo Don Lee
Slinky, sparkly, and sexy, a hotpot in their element leaves it all on the stage — despite an unenthused audience. Two and half minutes in, you’ll realize you didn’t look away once from Tezo Don Lee’s vibrant animation, or that flirty singer’s tear-inducing performance.
