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Here Are the Documentary Shorts That Will Mess Up Your Oscar Pool This Year

By  · Published on October 12th, 2012

Let’s not pretend like anyone is any good at prognosticating which documentary short will emerge from the pack to stand on stage while the Get Off the Stage music swells. It’s one of the culprits that destroys everyone’s chances every year at rocking a perfect Oscar ballot prediction.

But maybe, just maybe, you can get a head start on your co-workers by checking out the films that have the honor of just being nominated.

The Education of Mohhamad Hussein

Directed by: Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady

Synopsis: A look at the largest Muslim community in America, how they respond to an anti-Islamic preacher and how their children grow up a decade after 9/11

Inocente

Directed by: Sean Fine, Andrea Nix

Synopsis: A homeless, undocumented 15-year-old immigrant struggles to come of age and become a better artist under staggering odds

Kings Point

Directed by: Sari Gilman

Synopsis: The humor and humanity of senior citizens living in a retirement community as scene as the last act of the American Dream

Mondays At Racine

Directed by: Cynthia Wade

Synopsis: On the third Monday of the month, two animated hair salon owners open their doors to women with cancer which results in a blend of boisterous talk and personal reflection

Open Heart

Directed by: Kief Davidson

Synopsis: A group of Rwandan children set out on a long journey away from their families to seek heart treatments that can save their lives

ParaÍso

Directed by: Nadav Kurtz

Synopsis: The story of three immigrants working as window washers

The Perfect Fit

Directed by: Tali Yankelevich

Synopsis: A split look at men who make ballet shoes and the women who dance in them

Redemption

Directed by: Jon Alpert, Matthew O’Neill

Synopsis: A look at people in New York who survive by collecting and returning glass bottles and soda cans

— ‐ — –

Obviously there are 8 films here and only 5 slots to fill, but hopefully this allows you just a bit more time to ruminate on what might win so that the Oscar ballot boasting can begin. Of course, if you pick a film that gets cut from the shortlist, you might want to rethink your strategy. [Source: AMPAS]

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