Eight short animated films—most without words—that demonstrate an impressive range of themes and techniques. All these shorts screened at Havana's Young Directors Film Festival, which is Cuba's premier showcase for young cinematic talent.

"8 Ways to Get Sick"

("8 Formas de Enfermar," A film by Leandro de la Rosa, 4 minutes, 2009)

Progressing from simple black-and-white line drawings to archival footage, this film playfully uses overt and implied imagery to illustrate the axiom that "sex is everything.

"How to Completely Disappear"

("Como Desaparecer completamente," A film by Harold Rensoli, 3 minutes, 2009)

A desk and chair terrify a young man in this pixillated short that pays homage to Norman McLaren's classic 'A Chairy Tale.' 

"Imaginary Boys"

("Ninos imaginarios," A film by Alien Ma Alfonso, 4 minutes, 2010)

Two children, two apartments, two closets, and a drawing ripped in half. This haunting short captures a moment of childhood melancholia. 

"Modern Communities"

("Comunidades Modernas," A film by Lester Harbert Noguel, 3 minutes, 2008)

In a classic reversal, an anthropologist from the developing world examines the rituals and behaviours of Western women, skewering our unattainable ideals of beauty. 

"The Revenge"

("La Revancha," A film by Ivette Avila, 3 minutes, 2009)

A man living in an apartment in a gritty urban neighbourhood just wants to get some well-deserved rest. But nature has other plans for him and his neighbours in this animation made with cut-outs.

"The Suit"

("El Traje," A film by Abdel and Adrian de la Campa, 5 minutes, 2010)

An outwardly successful official is depressed over the mind-numbing repetitiveness of his work and life, which are in sharp contrast to his child's creativity... for now.

"Tick Tock"

("Tic Tac," A film by Alien Ma Alfonso, 6 minutes, 2008)

Death comes outfitted with the latest technology. But he meets his match in an old man who outwits him—and finds love in the process. 

"The Seamstress"

("La Costurera," A film by Ivette Avila, 6 minutes, 2010)

Meet a seamstress who uses her tools and materials to (literally) mend broken hearts and a host of other ills—until she pays a steep price.