KAVI – (USA/INDIA, 19 min., Director: Gregg Helvey): A gripping tale of modern-day slavery, “Kaavi” is easily the most emotional of the films nominated this year, even if it suffers from the biggest lack of acting talent. Raw, gritty and real, “Kaavi” gets its point across however thanks to the candor of its cast and is endearing from start to finish.

THE NEW TENANTS – (Denmark/USA, 20 min., Director: Joachim Back): Hilarious, witty and shocking, this film features the best acting among the nominees this year, with supporting stars the likes of Kevin Corrigan and Vincent D’Onofrio. From the opening rant of David Rakoff, to the dance with co-star Jamie Harrold at the end, you won’ be able to stop laughing or awe-ing in disbelief. Simply put, to be able to convey so much emotion and run the table this quickly, the film’s director Joachim Back should be applauded.

MIRACLE FISH – (Australia, 17 min., Director: Luke Doolan): The innocence of eight-year-old Karl Beattie fuels this short film that has a unique message. Wanting some solace after being picked on all day in school, the youngster sneaks into the nurses office and takes a nap and finds out he got exactly what he wanted. However, in the end, he may have gotten more than he bargained for. Excellent cinematography and a quirky and ironic story also help fuel “Miracle Fish” and make it an enjoyable short.

THE DOOR – (Ireland, 17 min., Director: Juanita Wilson): Just like “Miracle Fish” and “Kavi,” “The Door,” is emotionally charged and surprisingly deep for a short film. Following a small family after the Chernobyl disaster, we see the lengths one is willing to go to in order to give themselves closure. Surreal and tragic, “The Door” has a message that gets delivered and will stick with you after viewing.

INSTEAD OF ABRACADABRA – (Sweden, 22 min., Director: Patrik Eklund): The most humorous of the films nominated this year, “Instead of Abracadabra” stars a rambunctious Simon J. Berger, who in his own way, is a European Jon Heder plus a few Red Bulls added in for good measure. You’ll love his wacky attitude and his worried, yet loving parents that want him to grow up. Overall, it has it all, including a few moments where you don’t have a clue what’s going on. Because of that unpredictability and overt humor, it’s a winner and ReviewFix.com’s pick for the best short of 2009.

Related posts:

1. VIGILANTE ACTION PIC CRIMSON LEAPS OFF THE COMIC BOOK PAGE AND INTO THE FIST-FLYING FLESH It may have taken a year and a half to write and shoot Little Sicily Production’s first full-length feature, but it was time well spent for two young writers, a...
2. 2011 Review Fix Tribeca Film Festival Coverage: Patrick Rigby Interview Check out this exclusive interview with Patrick Rigby, who voices the narrator in the zombie short “Year Zero,” which is currently playing at the Tribeca Film Festival. In this interview,...
3. Review Fix 2011 Tribeca Film Festival Coverage: ‘Year Zero’ Review Excellent animation? Check. Voice-acting that brings the story to life? Check. Zombies? Double check. What else could you want from a short film? Surreal, savage and uniquely serene, “Year Zero”...
4. ‘The First Grader, ‘Wish Me Away’ and ‘Most Valuable Players’ Grab Audience Awards as Nashville Film Festival presented by Nissan Closes with Attendance Record Diverse Lineup Boosts 42nd Edition of Longest-Running Festival in the South NASHVILLE, Tennessee — “The First Grader,” “Wish Me Away” and “Most Valuable Players” walked away with the two major...
5. Shorts that are Sweet Asking for more after you’re done watching any type of film is a good thing, but in the case of “Superman/Shazam: Return of Black Adam,” DC comics does an excellent...