Best Animated Shorts From 2017 So Far
There's been some amazing animated videos put out in 2017 so far, and it's not slowing down. Take a look at some of these shorts that have been put out on Vimeo in the last two months!
They say the golden days of Saturday morning cartoons are in the past, but I think it's better than ever. With more people starting to use the internet to watch videos, animation has come up right alongside it. You no longer have to wait a week to watch new and exciting animation. From vlogs to major motion pictures, it's all at your fingertips. But what should you watch?
Well, if we're talking about animated shorts (which I assume we are because you're here and that's what I'm talking about) right now, Vimeo probably has the best arrange of amazing content. The quality of animation never lacks and the creators on there are always pushing the limits of animating and techniques, but the best part - it's free. The quality of these internet cartoons really makes it feel like a short animated movie.
Check out some of these incredible animated shorts that have come out in 2017 on Vimeo and don't be afraid to show the creators and animators some love as well!
Voyage
This beautiful animated short, written and directed by Rocco Pezzella, Shows an astronaut going through a black hole and reaching an unknown planet. Described by Pezzella as "A parable of life where birth, discovery, experience, contact and awareness are the chapters of this film". The amazing colours capture your attention as the landscape revolves and shapes become objects.
Lifeless
A more bleak look at animation Lifeless tackles a journey of a new kind of organism being born, one made of circuits and wires. Created by 3rd year university students, watch as they take you on a hypnotizingly visual ride to the dystopian future. Full of beautiful paradoxes and metaphors, Lifeless is a much watch.
Ruben Leaves
A stunning use of a limited colour palette. Ruben Leaves tells the story of Ruben on his way to work, when he gets haunted by obsessive-compulsive thoughts. As Ruben's creative mind is invaded by increasingly absurd scenarios, reality and imagination begin to merge. Another Vimeo Staff Pick, this short film created, directed, and animated by Frederic Siegel was awarded the 2016 Swiss Film Award for Best Graduation Film.
Batfish Soup
Batfish Soup made by Amanda Bonaiuto, at CalArts 2016, uses an uniquely crude animation style to create a world where batfish soup doesn't seem too strange. Take a peek at these wacky relatives who give way to mounting tensions with broken dolls, boiling stew and a bang.
For Approval
This type of video isn't story driven animation. They're a new wave of videos being produced with almost bubblegum like qualities, 3D lighting, and bright colours. The catch? The physics are amazing to watch! It just feels oddly satisfying to watch eggs bounce off a plate and look so fluid in motion. Expect to see more of this stuff in the future of animation!
And that's just the tip of the iceberg, do a quick search on animation in Vimeo and you'll find plenty of results!
By Harlen Malkowich