by Ezzo S.
Actor | Blogger | Eater of Sushi
Short films have the unique ability to tell powerful stories within a limited timeframe. They offer a glimpse into the creativity and storytelling prowess of filmmakers, often leaving a lasting impact on their audiences. Here, we celebrate the top 14 greatest sub-20-minute short films ever made, each one a testament to the art of concise and compelling storytelling.
La Jetée (1962) by Chris Marker
Clocking in at just 28 minutes but often edited down for specific showings, 'La Jetée' is a science fiction masterpiece composed almost entirely of still photos. This post-apocalyptic tale of time travel and memory influenced many future works, including Terry Gilliam's '12 Monkeys.'
The Red Balloon (1956) by Albert Lamorisse
This 34-minute classic, often shortened for various showcases, tells the simple yet profound story of a young boy and his sentient red balloon wandering through the streets of Paris. It won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, a rare feat for a short film.
