Shorts Not Pants Film Festival returns after a one-year hiatus, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience. This year’s festival boasts a carefully curated selection of outstanding short films from 17 countries: 23 narrative, 11 animated, and 9 documentary short films; 19 of those films are Canadian.
The festival will take place in Toronto from Friday, November 13 through Saturday, November 14, 2026 at the Carlton Cinema, 20 Carlton St., Cinema #8.
From close to 300 submissions, Shorts Not Pants Film Festival has curated a lineup of 43 films that will surely captivate audiences and showcase the extraordinary talent of filmmakers from around the globe. The festival provides a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to present their work and engage with audiences passionate about the art of storytelling through short films.
Two septuagenarians (Simon Attia/Joel Chalude) having just “escaped” from a retirement home sit conversing (in sign language) at the edge of the pool.
One is calm, accepting and philosophical, the other reticent whether their escape was the right thing to do.
A mutual regret is refraining from telling those they love that they are loved and not telling them “certain things” which would have been good for all concerned.
There is no resolution of whether the two can agree if their “escape” has been the right decision. You might concur one has decided and the other is vacillating, but they take to the pond for a swim, like much of the human race unable to agree on important life and political events.
A unveiled attack here on the intellectual, moral and physical control amounting to imprisonment of the residents of retirement homes. And a glorious blessing to those who recognize a certain politicization of ageism.
Is life nothing but burning bright (not necessarily right) then fading!
Bravo for the sign language here beautifully assimilating dual categories of communicators into a single audience.
This 100% French short is directed by David Arslanian.
RKS Short Film Rating 91/100.
