Renée Zellweger’s directorial debut made a memorable impact at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival. Her nine-minute animated short They drew packed crowds and set the tone for an exciting and emotionally rich Animation Shorts programme. Zellweger was there in person to introduce the film, and received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
This marks Renée Zellweger’s directorial debut at EIFF 2025, and offers a surprisingly thoughtful narrative in a very compact runtime. Set in a world overwhelmed by negativity, the film follows a gentle protagonist who tries to restore peace—only to unleash something far more complicated. Featuring handmade textures and a bittersweet tone, it’s both playful and unexpectedly profound.
A surreal and moving short in which an apartment building becomes an oversized dollhouse and its residents are forced to confront each other’s presence. The quirky visuals highlight a deeper message about community and coexistence, making it one of the most emotionally impactful films in the programme.
An energetic teenager is reluctantly pushed into weekly visits with their grandfather… until those quiet moments start revealing shared memories and unexpected laughter. A heartfelt reminder of how generational relationships can shape us in the best possible ways.
The rest of the Animation Programme also delivered a selection of creative and memorable shorts, each offering something unique:
ÉIRUBALCONADATSUNA THE EMPTY CAN – MEATBALL AND SPAGHETTIFORCE TIMES DISPLACEMENTHOW A RIVER IS BORNWITNESS: AN ORGANIMA FILMDISTANCE TO THE MOON
