by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer

The annual showcase of Oscar-nominated short films is now available in theaters (with some of the shorts also available on streaming services). The five Oscar-nominated Documentary shorts this year are divided into two categories—the topics are either music films or focused on crime. The music films are sweet and light, but it is one of the heavier crime films that are certain to win this year. Here is a rundown of the five nominees and each film’s chances of winning this year’s Documentary Short Film Oscar.

Death by Numbers (dir. Kim A. Snyder)

Sam Fuentes survived the mass shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL in 2018. In this powerful short, she relives the experience as she testifies at the trial of her classmate, Nikolas Cruz, who murdered 17 students, teachers, and coaches, as well as injured 17 additional people, including Sam. As a jury decides if Cruz should get life without parole or the death penalty, Sam considers questions of justice and forgiveness. Her anger is palpable, especially when she confronts her assailant by delivering a searing victim impact statement. Death by Numbers is a little slick in its production, but the raw emotions of Sam processing her thoughts and feelings are intense and forceful. This incredibly moving film could very well pull an upset and win the statue because Sam, who wrote the film, is so inspiring.

I am Ready, Warden (dir. Smriti Mundhra)

I am Ready, Warden is a sobering examination of the last days of John Henry Ramirez, who was on death row in Livingston, Texas for the murder of Pablo Castro. Ramirez stabbed Castro 29 times—19 wounds were fatal—back in 2004, then fled the country for several years before being captured and sentenced. Pablo’s son, Aaron Castro, was a young boy at the time of his father’s murder, and he talks candidly of seeing his father’s corpse and the impact Ramirez’s actions had on his life. Ramirez is remorseful, and he admits that while he took a man’s life, the act (and its aftermath) helped make him “a better person.” I am Ready, Warden investigates both Ramirez and Aaron Castro’s emotional fallout; both men are hurting and seeking a sense of peace. A final call Ramirez has with his teenage son, Izzy is heartfelt, as is an apology Ramirez makes to Aaron. This powerful short will prompt viewers to examine their views on capital punishment and forgiveness. It is also favored to win the Oscar.

Incident (dir. Bill Morrison)

Incident is a disturbing and necessary indictment of Chicago cops who shot and killed Harith “Snoop” Augustus in July 2018. The film, directed by Bill Morrison, consists entirely of surveillance and body-cam footage from the scene as it recounts how Augustus was shot 5 times and died. The officers—who claimed to be acting in self-defense—are seen before, during, and after the crime, but their testimony does not square up with what is seen in the footage. Multiple screens record the reaction of members of the neighborhood, who insist Augustus was not a threat. Meanwhile, some of the cops double down on their lives being threatened by the victim. Scenes of the officer who pulled the trigger being told he did “the right thing” and “nothing wrong” are infuriating because the footage indicates otherwise. Incident includes information about another cop, Jason Van Dyke, who murdered Laquan McDonald in 2014, as context for the increased police presence and tensions in the area. That case generated a law that allows public access to police footage. This damning film illustrates the effect of that law and how police behave when they are being recorded. This is an important short that will call attention to the ongoing issue of police brutality, but it is unlikely to win the Oscar.

Instruments of a Beating Heart (dir. Ema Ryan Yamazaki)

Instruments of a Beating Heart is a charming short about members of a first-grade class in Tokyo who are asked to perform “Ode to Joy” for their incoming classmates. Ayame hopes to play the big drum, however, there are tears not joy, when another student impresses the music teacher with his audition instead. Fortunately, Ayame gets to play the cymbals, another distinctive instrument. But there are more tears as she struggles to learn her part. Instrument of a Beating Heart is filmed in an observational style and shows how these young students learn confidence and leadership skills through music. It is a nice message, and the kids are adorable, but this short feels a bit slight even though the Academy often goes for sentiment. Hopefully, director Ema Ryan Yamazaki won’t shed tears like Ayame if her film doesn’t win.

The Only Girl in the Orchestra (dir. Molly O’Brien)

In 1966, when she was hired as a double bassist, Orin O’Brien was the first female musician to join the 104 member New York Philharmonic. This loving portrait of her—directed by O’Brien’s infatuated niece, Molly—only briefly touches on the sexism Orin experienced back in the day. The musician was embarrassed by the publicity she received because she didn’t want to be in the spotlight like her movie star parents, George O’Brien and Marguerite Churchill. In fact, Orin liked having a supporting role and even questions—during the course of this gentle documentary—why Molly even wants to make a film about her. Molly explains that she wants to celebrate her aunt, an artist, musician, teacher, and independent woman who was hailed by Leonard Bernstein as “a miracle.” But Molly’s fawning portrait could have done that better, or at least made her aunt more interesting. Orin is seen retiring and moving out of her apartment, which does not provide much insight into her life or career. Thankfully, the musician is engaging and conveys her passion for her craft especially when teaching, and yes, the music is fabulous. But this overlong short is sadly underwhelming. It also is a longshot to take home the statue.

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