Within the world of animation, most experimentation occurs in short-format productions, whether they are high-budgeted commercials, low-budgeted independent shorts or something in-between. The growing number of short film festivals around the world attests to the vitality of these works, but there are few other venues for their exhibition, and are they rarely reviewed. As a result, distribution tends to be difficult and irregular. On a regular basis, Animation World Magazine will highlight some of the most interesting of these films.

This month:

Drux Flux (2008), 4:45, directed by Theodore Ushev (Canada). Contact: Johanne St-Arnauld, Director General, Distribution, National Film Board of Canada. [T] 514-283-2703 [F] 514-496-1895 [W] www.nfb.ca [E] [email protected]

The Old, Old, Very Old Man (2007), 6:38, directed by Elizabeth Hobbs (U.K.). Contact: Elizabeth Hobbs, Spellbound Animation. [W] www.spellboundanimation.co.uk [E] [email protected]

Sandbox (2006), 3:10, directed by Avi Ofer (Israel). Contact: [W] www.aviofer.com [E] [email protected]

The Waif of Persephone (2006), 12:17, directed by Nick Cross (Canada). Contact: Nick Cross, Do It For Me Productions, 1618 Fisher Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C1X6, Canada [T] 613-228-7253 [W] www.pyatyletka.com, pyatyletka.blogspot.com [E] [email protected]