This film was definitely the most difficult to watch of all the nominees for Best Live-Action Short. It's quite timely and very well done but I noticed a lot of folks cringing and reacting viscerally to this film. The fact that it made such a big impact is a good thing...but some will find this all a bit unpleasant.

The story is set in what you assume is Afghanistan--though I don't recall the film even mentioning where the American soldiers were stationed in that general area. A new female interpreter has just arrived and is about to go on her first assignment. Unfortunately, this first encounter will clearly be among the most traumatic and difficult of her military career. This is because not only is one of the men killed by some sort of explosion but subsequently they come upon a family and the wife is dying because of a very, very complicated pregnancy. So not only will the interpreter have to interpret but because of the Muslim culture, the men in the group are not allowed to see the woman in labor. But it's a very, very bad labor and the interpreter cannot imagine anything good coming out of this...and she's probably right. It's going to be a horrible day.

As I said above, this is a very traumatic film and one I would not want younger viewers to see. I could say more but you'd just have to see it for yourself to know what I mean. The film is not gratuitous in its violence but it's a situation that is bleak and depressing...but also exceptionally well made and one of the most unusual shorts I've ever seen.

UPDATE: "Stutterer" took the Oscar for Best Live Action Short.

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

Benedict Cumberbatch in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

The thriller genre features suspense, tension, and excitement. These stories are known for keeping audiences on the edge of their seats and delivering intense emotional experiences by revolving around high-stakes situations, dangerous conflicts, and the constant anticipation of unexpected events.

The war genre features armed conflicts, both historical and fictional, and the experiences of individuals and groups involved in warfare. This genre explores the physical, emotional, and moral challenges faced by soldiers, civilians, and others affected by war.

On her first day in Afghanistan, an interpreter for the US Army is forced to deliver the child of an enemy bomb-maker.

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The Oscar Nominated Short Films 2016: Live Action

Day One - on set still with Layla Alizada and Yanellie Ireland

Day One film still - Layla Alizada and Yanellie Ireland

www.imdb.me/AliOlomi - #Filming - #Good times on Set  - #DayOne - #actoraliolomi - #aliolomi - @AliOlomi - #Actor - #LosAngeles - #ThankYou 

Still of Mustafa Haidari and Navid Negahban (DayOne)

Alain Washnevsky and Michael Sheen  after DAY ONE won the LA/BAFTA award for best Student Short

Day One

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