"China's Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province" is one of eight considered for nomination under
the category "Documentary shorts contenders" announced for the 2009 Oscars. Three will be nominated.
The eight are as follows:
"China's Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province" -- about the emotional toll wreaked on families in central China who lost children when several schools collapsed in the devastating 2008 earthquake.
"The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner" -- concerning the Washington state governor, whose final run for the position focused on enacting a statewide law to pass death with dignity.
"The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant" -- about the closing of a GM plant in Ohio in 2008 and the devastating effect it had on the community, and the emotional toll taken on its workers.
"Lt. Watada" -- the story of 1st Lt. Ehren Watada, the first commissioned officer to refuse combat in Iraq.
"Music by Prudence" -- a look at the eight-member Zimbabwe music group Liyana and its singer, Prudence Mabhena, all of whom make music despite facing a range of physical disabilities.
"Rabbit a la Berlin" -- a tongue-in-cheek look at the inhabitants of a rabbit reserve that sprung up in a space between the Berlin Wall, and what happened to them after the Wall came down.
"Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak" -- "Where the Wild Things Are" director co-directed this profile of the much-loved children's author and the tragedies that helped to influence his writing.
"Woman Rebel" -- a look at the female freedom fighters who comprised over 40% of the Nepalese rebel army, and their new roles in the post-conflict government.
The 82nd annual Academy Award nominations will be announced on Feb. 2, 2010, at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Place your bets now.
-- Paul Gaita
To see the original LA Times article, please click here.