Several animated short films with Canadian ties in running for Oscar

LOS ANGELES – Four animated short films with Canadian ties are a step closer to Oscar nominations.

“Blind Vaysha,” produced by the National Film Board of Canada, and “The Head Vanishes,” co-produced by the NFB, have made the short list for consideration for the 89th Academy Awards.

Also on the list is “Pear Cider and Cigarettes,” directed by Robert Valley of Vancouver, and “Piper,” helmed by Alan Barillaro of Niagara Falls, Ont.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday a total of 10 animated short films that will advance in the voting process.

The others are “Borrowed Time,” “Happy End,” “Inner Workings,” “Once upon a Line,” “Pearl,” and “Sous Tes Doigts (Under Your Fingers).”

The list will be whittled down to five finalists, which will be revealed when Oscar nominations are announced on Jan. 24.