Rated: NR    Runtime: 82 mins.
Fri, Nov 19 – Thur, Nov 25

A cat and a mouse carry on a dysfunctional relationship in a futuristic landscape. A Chinese monk sets out on foot with a tiger during the Tang dynasty and happens upon the giant Buddhas of Bamiyan. Two blue-collar workers dissect the meaning of "normal" life, as the world crumbles around them. A box of matches succumb, to their detriment, to the appeal of a cigarette. Four people recount their various encounters—triumphant or terrifying, euphoric or down-to-earth with an unforgettable rite of passage. Nine Nation Animation is a selection of recent award-winning animated short films from the world’s most renowned festivals, including Cannes, Berlin, Annecy, Clermont-Ferrand and others. Titles include, “Deconstruction Workers” by Kajsa Naess (Norway); “Average 40 Matches” by Burkay Dogan & M. Sakir Arslan (Turkey); “Bâmiyân” by Patrick Pleutin (France); “Please Say Something” by David O’Reilly (Ireland/Germany);
“Flatlife” by Jonas Geirnaert (Belgium); “She Who Measures” by Veljko Popoviç (Croatia); “Home Road Movies” by Robert Bradbrook (United Kingdom); “The Tale of How” by The Blackheart Gang (South Africa); “Never Like the First Time!” by Jonas Odell (Sweden); Total running time: 82 mins.

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“It’s a winner” – Mike Hale, New York Times

“’Nine Nation Animation’ proves that there’s a lot more to the animator’s art than either the cutting-edge ultra-realism of Pixar or the flat functionality of sitcoms like The Simpsons… offers a virtual catalog of the tools available to the animator—stop-motion, CGI, rotoscoping—with the techniques often combined in a single imposing display…mind-bending visuals.” –Andrew Schenker, The Village Voice

“First-rate compilation offers a filling multicourse meal for the discerning grownup toon fan.” –Dennis Harvey, Variety

“Dazzling, challenging and heartening all at once…the range of styles is astounding…gusts of florid imagination and sweet nostalgia…both entertaining and breathtaking.” –Tom Long, The Detroit News