October 12, 2006–The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has shortlisted eight short docus for its Best Documenatry Subject Oscar Award. Most are dealing with social and medical problems.
Three to five of these films will be selected as final nominees, when AMPAS announces its nominations in all categories, January 23, 2007.
The Blood of Yingzhou District
Directed by Ruby Yang, it looks at children in China who have been orphaned because of AIDS.
Dear Talula
Directed by Lori Benson, it's a personal docu about dealing with breast cancer.
The Diary of Immaculee
Directed by Peter LeDonne, it tells the story of a woman who survived the Rwandan genocide.
Phoenix Dance
Direted by Karina Epperlein, it's a film in which Homer Avila dances a pas de deux despite the loss of a leg.
Recycled Life
Directed by Leslie Iwerks, the film is an account of people living and working around a toxic landfill in Guatemala City.
Rehearsing a Dream
Directed by Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon, the film follows a 17-year-old artists during a week of mentoring with such figures as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Vanessa Williams, and Michael Tilson Thomas.
A Revolving Door
Directed by Marilyn Braverman, the film is about a family helping a son with mental illness and addiction.
Two Hands
Directed by Nathaniel Kahn, it's a portrait of pianist Leon Fleisher who, after losing the ability to play with his right hand in the 1960s, played with only his left until experimental surgery enabled him to return to playing with both hands.
