Student Short Films

Below is a collection of short films completed by Shrunkenheads! Students make shorts both as a part of the animation curriculum and as side projects. Both types are included below.

Bon Odori is a 3D/2D film that delves into the heart of Obon, a Japanese Buddhist festival that celebrates the memories of ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. The story follows Kai, a young Japanese-American boy grappling with the loss of his grandmother and trying to navigate his first Obon without her.

Tule is a poetic 2D animated mixed media short film championing awareness and hope. A young Pomo girl is empowered through poetic reflection on conversations with her Native community about the culturally vital, but now suffering Tule plant at Clear Lake.

A 3D animated short film about a mechanic, her robot companion, and the path they take to reconnect their relationship.

Roadkill Jamboree is a stop-motion/ 2D hybrid music video about how roads and drivers affect animals, featuring music from the ska-punk band Suburban Legends. This grim yet humorous story centers around a band of five undead animals encompassing various species along Interstate Highway 5. Each animal in the band represents a different type of creature native to California while embodying different reasons why roadkill happens.

A Trace illustrates the experiences of a young girl as she learns to shed her guilt about her absent father.

Prince Philip, who longing to be with a Prince of his own, must decide to follow the traditional tale or forge his own happily-ever-after.

Determined to gain favor in his family’s eyes and match his sister’s status, a boy must prove his worth and show his potential in an upcoming martial arts competition.

“A Fleeting Moment” is an animated short film that follows the journey of two raindrops, and how they come to terms with what it means to be alive.

During a game of Midnight Hide and Seek at summer camp, an anxious Lucy struggles to hide her werewolf identity from her fellow campers! And it’s a full moon! Will Lucy be successful in concealing herself?

“Felt Love” is a 2D and stop motion animated short film about a young boy who learns to understand the depth of his mother's love and hard work despite the distance her dedication may create.

"Reyna" is a 2D short film about a girl learning the origins of western beauty standards in her culture and standing up against them.

When a obnoxious truck driver makes a late-night stop at a middle-of-nowhere gas station and stays past the store’s closing time, he quickly learns that choosing which snack to buy is the least of his worries.

A child's dream will overcome her circumstances. Student Film done by San Jose State University

Nadine, depressed and alone, has been living her life in the dark. A gift from a friendly neighbor gives Nadine something to live for. With a new life, Nadine has a chance to pay it forward.

The Blue & the Beyond is the story of a young, imaginative man named Charlie, who is searching to find someone like him in a world where he is different in every way.

A student film, from San Jose State University, which is directed by Kimberly Knoll (USA) and 張永翰 Yunghan Chang (Taiwan)

One stormy day, a little radish boy get separated from his village and becomes lost in the dark forest, his deepest fear.