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Two-time Academy Award nominee and Sundance grand jury prize winner Don Hertzfeldt has long been recognized as one of the most influential voices in independent animation. His iconic early internet short, Rejected, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Hertzfeldt’s latest endeavor, Animation Mixtape, presents an inspired collection of 12 animated shorts from across the globe, showcasing emerging artists, underground legends, and classic works that inspired him to begin his filmmaking journey over 30 years ago. Ink Films is in charge of distributing this film.

In an era where many short films are primarily viewed at festivals or online—often overshadowed by like and subscribe prompts—Animation Mixtape aims to reclaim the theatrical experience for animation. The anthology, running for 85 minutes, features both brand-new works and rediscovered gems, which include a never-before-seen piece by renowned underground animator Bruce Bickford.

With Hertzfeldt’s personal introduction framing the anthology, Animation Mixtape provides audiences a rare opportunity to experience these films in a communal atmosphere on the big screen. The film is set to have its world premiere today at the IFC Center in New York before moving to specialty theaters nationwide over the coming months. Designed as a live, theatrical-only event akin to a concert, the anthology seeks to celebrate the artistry of animation and the communal joy of shared viewing experiences.

In discussing the importance of theatrical presentations for animated shorts, Hertzfeldt noted, “In an age where most people encounter shorts online, what role do you see theatrical exhibition playing for animated shorts today?” He reflected on the technical challenges he faced as a teenager in the 1990s. “You had to buy film, access a large animation camera, and grapple with lengthy processes to bring your footage to life. Today, while the tools have become more accessible and miraculous, it results in festivals like Sundance receiving 12,000 short film submissions annually but only being able to screen about 50, of which only around 10 are animated. The landscape has changed drastically, making it harder for films to stand out amongst a deluge of content.”

He emphasized that the current challenges stem from curation rather than access, stating, “Great films are harder to find because they’re being drowned out. Mixtape is just one baby step in this direction, created to help these brilliant animators gain visibility. We ensure that all net box office proceeds go directly to the artists involved.”

Additionally, he shared insights about curating Animation Mixtape, revealing that half of its content consists of new short films, while others are recent titles that may have been overlooked or older works deserving of rediscovery. He focused primarily on films he believed deserved more recognition and aimed to maintain a light-hearted tone within the mix, avoiding themes of despair.

Finally, Hertzfeldt described his animated introduction to the anthology as “really, really stupid” and humorous, stating, “It was a lot of fun to animate, and it took a whole month.”

His thoughts reflect a profound respect for animated shorts, and Animation Mixtape stands as a testament to the enduring passion for these creative expressions.

Persons: Don Hertzfeldt, Bruce Bickford
Company Names: Ink Films, IFC Center

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