113 Words for You Today
On a frozen planet where every word costs energy, a worker endures silence, storms, and solitude, saving his words for the one that matters most.
33rd & Clover
33rd & Clover is an animated short film about a stray kitten who is ousted by his colony and pushed to the brink of starvation. When a mysterious and ethereal cat appears and offers the kitten visions of sanctuary, he is encouraged to set out on a journey through the unknown city streets outside of his alleyway. Student Film – UNCSA.
A Night With Monkey Gino
Bedtime is more about fun and less about sleep for a monkey who wants to play. But when his show curtain opens at sunrise, will he shine or snooze?
A Sparrow’s Song
Inspired by a true story, a widowed air raid warden in the midst of World War II struggles to overcome grief and rediscover joy in her life—until she finds a dying sparrow she hopes to save. Student Film – Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.
Amarelo Banana
After another night of insomnia, a man comes across a strange community living in his building and discovers the elaborate illusion they have created.
Animated Shorts 2026: Program One
RiverRun is an Academy Award-qualifying festival in the category of Animated Shorts, meaning the winner in this category may submit for Academy Awards consideration.
Animated Shorts 2026: Program Two
RiverRun is an Academy Award-qualifying festival in the category of Animated Shorts, meaning the winner in this category may submit for Academy Awards consideration. Sponsored by Zaloo’s Canoes.
At Night
In the midst of war, a man watches his beloved one by lighting the three matches he has left. Then, in the pitch darkness, a forest grows from their lovemaking and protects them from the war.
Because Today is Saturday
It’s Saturday, and a woman struggles with the difficulty of reconciling her home life and her need to escape.
Beetle Summer
A young girl who lives in the countryside of Japan is raising a rhino beetle for beetle fights in order to gain friends. But before then she needs to train and nurture it.
Blu’s
Growing up freely in harmony with nature, witnessing her beautiful environment being swallowed up by industrialisation, Blu decides to fight for the wildlife, meadows, rivers, and trees before they disappear completely.
Carcassone-Acapulco
As flight 7836 reaches cruising speed above the Atlantic Ocean, the pilot, co-pilot, and flight attendant are startled by an unexpected knock at the door! Chaos and confusion ensue as the crew enter a long and meandering debate regarding the stranger’s fate: should they open the door, or not?
Clay Bird
Mocked for her potter grandfather’s simplicity, a nine-year-old girl turns away from him, until heartbreak and memory gently guide her back to the hands that molded her heart.
Dogs of Bishkek
On a journey home from the market, a young boy is being stalked and chased by the ruthless monster dog of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan during a cold, foggy, winter night. Student Film – Ringling College of Art and Design.
I Found a Box
One day, Guy, a bird running in the forest, runs into a box. Guy asks himself, “But what can this box be used for?”