Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of cinema with the 2025 Oscar® Nominated Short Films! This year's nominees in the Documentary, Live Action, and Animation categories showcase exceptional talent and stories from around the globe, offering a unique opportunity to witness the best short films leading up to Hollywood's biggest night. Don't miss the chance to be inspired and entertained by this year's outstanding nominees.
Lighthouse International Film Festival presents screenings of the Oscar® Nominated Documentary and Live Action Shorts Film in three locations (South Orange, Long Beach Island, and Spring Lake) giving audiences a rare chance to see these incredible works as they were meant to be experienced—on the big screen.
* Cinema Lab- THE VILLAGE AT SOPAC (1 SOPAC Way, South Orange Village, NJ) on February 15th @7:30pm - Documentary Shorts; and February 16th @ 7:30pm - Live Action Shorts
* Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences (120 Long Beach Blvd., Loveladies, NJ) on February 21st @7:30pm - Live Action Shorts; February 22nd @1:00pm - Animation Shorts; and February 22nd @ 7:30pm - Documentary Shorts
* Spring Lake Theatre (300 Madison Ave., Spring Lake, NJ) Double Feature on Saturday, March 1st with Live Action Films from 2:00pm- 5:00pm and Documentary Films from 7:30pm - 10:00pm.
Tickets are $15 and are available for purchase online. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended and appreciated.
Documentary Short Film Nominees - Explore profound, real-world stories that touch the heart and challenge the mind. From intimate portraits of personal triumphs to gripping accounts of social and environmental issues, the Documentary Short Film nominees capture humanity in its rawest and most inspiring forms. These extraordinary films amplify vital voices and stories, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives. Experience the power of documentary storytelling at its finest, making this an unmissable showcase of creativity and truth.
* Incident - Directed by Bill Morrison, this gripping 30-minute documentary reconstructs the events surrounding a police shooting in Chicago using raw body-camera and surveillance footage. The film deftly examines the shifting police narratives and the emotional reactions of a community grappling with systemic issues. It's a haunting exploration of truth, accountability, and public perception.
* Instruments of a Beating Heart - Directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki, this poignant film delves into the healing power of music. Through vivid storytelling, it showcases individuals whose lives were transformed by rhythm and melody, offering a testament to music's ability to connect, comfort, and inspire.
* Death by Numbers - Director Kim A. Snyder masterfully transforms statistics into deeply moving stories in this thought-provoking film. By spotlighting the human impact behind a pressing global issue, Snyder challenges audiences to confront the realities hidden within the data and recognize the individuals whose lives are too often reduced to numbers.
* I Am Ready, Warden - Directed by Smriti Mundhra, this deeply intimate documentary takes viewers to the emotional core of life on death row. By exploring the final moments of inmates, the film raises profound questions about redemption, justice, and the humanity often lost in conversations about capital punishment.
* The Only Girl in the Orchestra - Molly O’Brien tells the remarkable story of a musical prodigy who shattered gender barriers to become the first woman in a renowned orchestra. Through her journey, the film celebrates resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of breaking through societal norms.
Live Action Short Film Nominees - Discover bold storytelling brought to life by emerging and seasoned filmmakers. The Live Action nominees span genres and cultures, delivering unforgettable narratives with emotional depth and stunning creativity. These films prove that powerful stories can be told in a matter of minutes.
* I'm Not a Robot - A hilarious yet deeply thought-provoking satire, this Dutch gem by Victoria Warmerdam explores a woman’s increasing frustration with CAPTCHA tests—those pesky "Are you a robot?" challenges. As her struggle grows, she begins to question not just her humanity, but the very systems we rely on to define it. Equal parts clever and relatable, I’m Not a Robot offers a refreshingly modern twist on the age-old quest for identity.
* The Last Ranger - Set against the breathtaking backdrop of South Africa’s Amakhala Game Reserve, this powerful drama by director Cindy Lee immerses audiences in the struggles of wildlife conservation during the pandemic. A young Xhosa girl discovers the beauty and fragility of her natural surroundings, only to face the devastating impact of rhino poaching. With heart-stopping moments and a deep connection to the land, The Last Ranger is an unforgettable call to protect our planet’s treasures.
* The Masterpiece - This captivating film explores the enigmatic life of a reclusive artist who finally unveils his long-awaited final work. Through stunning visuals and profound emotional depth, The Masterpiece delves into the complexities of creativity, the cost of isolation, and the societal obsession with genius. Prepare to be challenged and inspired by this bold, thought-provoking story about the meaning of art and legacy.
* Room Taken - A tense psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the final frame. In Room Taken, a traveler checks into a seemingly ordinary rented room, only to uncover eerie and unsettling secrets lurking within. With each twist, the line between reality and illusion, blurs, pulling audiences into a spine-chilling tale of suspense. Perfect for fans of Hitchcockian intrigue, this film is a masterclass in building tension.
* An Orange from Jaffa - Set in the culturally rich yet divided landscape of Jaffa, this poignant film follows the journey of a young boy determined to deliver a simple gift: an orange. Against the backdrop of political and cultural tensions, the boy’s mission becomes a powerful symbol of hope, unity, and resilience. With beautiful cinematography and heartfelt storytelling, An Orange from Jaffa offers a timely reminder of the human connections that transcend boundaries.
Animated Short Film Nominees - Experiencing the Oscar® Nominated Animated Shorts offers a unique opportunity to witness diverse storytelling and innovative animation techniques from around the world. They provide profound insights into human experiences, emotions, and cultures, all within concise narratives.
* Beautiful Men - Directed by Nicolas Keppens, this film delves into themes of identity and societal expectations, presenting a visually striking narrative that challenges conventional norms.
* In the Shadow of the Cypress - Directed by Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani, this Iranian short portrays a former captain grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder while trying to connect with his daughter in an isolated seaside setting.
* Magic Candies - Directed by Daisuke Nishio, this enchanting story follows a young boy who discovers candies that allow him to hear the thoughts of others, leading to unexpected insights and adventures.
* Wander to Wonder - Directed by Nina Gantz, this imaginative piece takes viewers on a journey through fantastical landscapes, exploring themes of curiosity and the unknown.
* Yuck! - Directed by Loïc Espuche, this humorous short film captures the whimsical adventures of a character navigating a world filled with delightful disgust.
The Lighthouse International Film Festival/Society is a 501 c 3 non-profit celebrating innovative and thought-provoking films. We believe film, as an art form, has the power to bridge cultures and illuminate the universality of the human experience, while fostering respect for our common humanity. LIFF's core mission is to select cutting-edge, thought- provoking independent films that reflect on the most impactful societal issues of the day.
Their mission is driven by their belief in the value of inclusion, diversity, and equity. LIFF mission gives independent filmmakers from around the world an opportunity for their voices to be heard and stories to be told, allows for diverse storytelling, and gives audiences the opportunity to explore current issues and to be educated, enlightened, engaged, and entertained.
The 17th Lighthouse International Film Festival takes place on Long Beach Island, NJ from June 4-8, 2025. 2025 Film Festival Passes are on sale now.
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