“L.A.’s Hottest Animation Event: 6 Must-Watch Shorts at LAFM 2025!”
Get ready, animation lovers! The Los Angeles Festival of Movies (LAFM) is back for its second spectacular edition, running from April 3-6, and it’s bringing a treat for fans of all things animated. Co-founded by Micah Gottlieb and Sarah Winshall, this festival is carving out a space for cutting-edge cinema in the heart of L.A.’s eastside. Among the highlights? The eagerly awaited Animation Today program—a handpicked showcase of the best animated short films from around the world.
A Celebration of Animated Excellence
Presented by Cartuna, the Animation Today screenings will take place on Sunday, April 5, at 2:45 p.m. at 2220 Arts + Archives. The event will be introduced by the award-winning animator Sean Buckelew, known for his work on Common Side Effects and Scavengers Reign. If you love animation that pushes boundaries—whether it’s experimental, narrative-driven, heartwarming, or downright hilarious—this lineup is calling your name!
The festival describes Animation Today as “a survey of the very best in international, independent animation.” These films showcase bold artistic visions that both embody and transcend the medium. Let’s take a sneak peek at what’s in store:
The Must-Watch Lineup
Ordinary Life | Yoriko Mizushiri (France, Japan, 2025) – 10 min
🏆 Silver Bear at Berlinale for Best Short Film
✨ U.S. Premiere
Ever felt like every day is the same, yet somehow, everything is always changing? This mesmerizing short captures the subtle, poetic beauty of life’s daily repetitions.
Hurikán | Jan Saska (France, Czechia, 2024) – 13 min
🏆 Audience Award at Annecy 2024, screened at Sundance 2025
✨ Los Angeles Premiere
A beer-loving hero on a mission! Hurikán dashes through the lively streets of Prague, dodging robbers and cops to save his beloved beer stand—and maybe impress his crush. Cheers to that!
Margarethe ’89 | Lucas Malbrun (Germany, France, 2023) – 18 min
✨ Los Angeles Premiere
Punk rock, rebellion, and romance collide in this gripping tale of a young woman determined to break free from East Germany’s oppressive regime and reunite with her musician love.
Mont Noir | Jean-Baptiste Peltier & Erika Haglund (France, Portugal, 2024) – 15 min
✨ U.S. Premiere
Loss, loneliness, and a love for nature shape Marguerite’s journey as she channels her pain into becoming a writer. A beautifully introspective film that tugs at the heartstrings.
Retirement Plan | John Kelly (Ireland, 2024) – 7 min
🏆 Audience Award at SXSW for Best Animated Short
✨ West Coast Premiere
Dreaming of retirement? So is Ray (voiced by Domhnall Gleeson), who imagines all the things he’d finally get to do—if only he had the time. A witty and relatable animated gem!
Sans Voix | Samuel Patthey (Switzerland, 2024) – 15 min
✨ West Coast Premiere
Lost in electronic beats and nightclubs, Dan finds comfort in techno music—until a baby’s innocent gaze forces him to rethink everything. A hypnotic journey of self-discovery.
Why You Can’t Miss This
Whether you’re an animation aficionado or just looking for a fun way to spend your Sunday, Animation Today is an unmissable experience. Expect to be transported across cultures, emotions, and storytelling styles, all through the magic of animation. With prestigious festival winners and bold, fresh voices in the mix, this showcase proves that animation isn’t just a genre—it’s an art form without limits.
So grab your popcorn, mark your calendars, and head to LAFM 2025. Let the animation magic begin!
