Animation Takes Center Stage at 2025 Tribeca Festival, Thanks to Whoopi
The 2025 Tribeca Festival is putting animation in the spotlight like never before — and leading the charge is none other than Whoopi Goldberg. The iconic EGOT winner returns to curate the largest-ever Animated Shorts lineup in the history of the New York City-based festival, which runs from June 4–15.
This year’s selections showcase global artistry and diverse storytelling, from world premieres to bold international voices. For animation lovers, it’s a dream come true — and for one lucky filmmaker, it’s a potential ticket to the Academy Awards.
Why It Matters: Oscar Gold Awaits
Tribeca’s Animated Shorts program is Academy Award-qualifying, meaning the winner of the Best Animated Short will be eligible for Oscar consideration in 2026. It’s a prestigious launchpad for up-and-coming animators and a celebration of the craft’s evolution across styles, cultures, and techniques.
Goldberg, known for her passion for the art of animation, has once again lent her curatorial expertise to handpick 14 standout films, which have been split into two themed sections: one for mature audiences and one for all ages.
Program 1: Animated Shorts Curated by Whoopi G
Tailored for viewers aged 14 and up, this set features imaginative tales with rich themes, emotional depth, and top-tier craftsmanship. Highlights include:
The Quinta’s Ghost (Spain) – World Premiere: A haunting yet heartfelt tale from James A. Castillo.
Petra and the Sun (Chile) – North American Premiere: A poetic journey by Malu Furche and Stefania Malacchini.
Ovary-Acting (Norway/Sweden/U.K.) – World Premiere: Ida Melum delivers biting wit and raw honesty in this boundary-pushing short.
How a River Is Born (Brazil) – North American Premiere: Luma Flôres explores natural wonder with lyrical animation.
Still Moving (Canada) – North American Premiere: Rui Ting Ji reflects on memory and movement through delicate visuals.
A Night at the Rest Area (Japan): Saki Muramoto crafts eerie intimacy in a beautifully restrained setting.
The Piano (U.S.) – World Premiere: Avery Kroll’s intimate musical short promises emotional resonance.
Program 2: Whoopi’s Wonderful World of Animation
This family-friendly program is all about joy, heart, and creativity that knows no age limit. Highlights include:
Linie 12 (Germany) – World Premiere: A playful commuter adventure by Sarah Schulz & Christopher Schmier.
Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II (Global): A superhero saga for kids with bold visuals and big heart.
Ostrich (Switzerland) – World Premiere: Marie Kenov presents a quirky coming-of-age tale like no other.
Tigre (Mexico) – World Premiere: María Victoria Sánchez captures childhood imagination with wild flair.
Snow Bear (U.S.) – New York Premiere: Directed by Disney vet Aaron Blaise (Brother Bear), this lushly animated tale of friendship in the Arctic will melt hearts.
Lily (U.S.): Created by Kate Siegel, this touching tale adds emotional depth to the kids’ slate.
Awaiting the Lightning Bolt (Italy/U.K.): Marco Russo’s short invites wonder and awe with minimalist elegance.
Bonus Gems in the Narrative Shorts Program
Animation lovers should also look out for two buzzworthy shorts screening outside Goldberg’s curated lineup:
Playing God (Italy/France) – New York Premiere: A stop-motion horror-thriller with gothic flair from Matteo Burani.
Black Tide (Reunion/Mauritius) – A powerful 2D environmental drama by Kim Yip Tong.
Mark Your Calendars
With over a dozen animated shorts from across the globe, the 2025 Tribeca Festival is serving a feast for animation fans of every stripe. Whether you’re drawn to quirky comedy, thought-provoking drama, or visual poetry, this year’s slate has something for you.
Catch the full lineup screening June 4–15, and keep an eye out — the next Oscar winner could debut right here.
