This year’s Manhattan Short Film Festival is one of the best ever, with all 10 films coming highly recommended by yours truly. I was especially impressed with When the Sea Was Calm, a mostly stop-motion short from the nation of Georgia. It’s one of the greatest animated films I’ve ever seen. Look for it again come Oscar time.

For more information about the one-week global festival and where to find a screening near you, visit ManhattanShort.com. Below are the movies in order of quality:

When the Sea Was Calm – 5 stars (on 0-5 scale)
Small Talk – 5 stars
Never Give Up ½FL – 4 stars
Mary Is Missing – 4 stars
Hai Davai FL  – 4 stars
Vultures ½FL – 4 stars
Life Goes On – 4 stars
Norheimsund FL – 3 stars
Candy Bar – 3 stars
Pickup FL – 3 stars