Oscar-nominated short films to screen in Rockford on the eve of the Academy Awards
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Music Box of Rockford will be transformed into a micro theater next month for an intimate screening of Oscar-nominated short films on the eve of the 2025 Academy Awards.
Plus Seven Company, the event and experience organization that is also behind the annual 815horts Films Festival, announced today that the Rockford’s Oscar Shorts Preview is set for Saturday, March 1, at The Music Box, 218 E. State St., in downtown. Plus Seven is putting the event on with support from Xfinity.
“On the heels of the third annual 815horts, Rockford’s Oscar Shorts Preview continues our momentum in the film space as another high-quality experience for the community,” said Nick Povalitis, founder of Plus Seven Company. “Excellence in music and film go hand in hand, and that will indeed be palpable at Rockford’s Oscar Shorts Preview on March 1.”
The special screening will showcase all short films nominated in the categories of Best Live Action, Best Animated and Best Documentary Short Film.
The Oscar Shorts preview, administered by ShortsTV, is the only opportunity for audience to watch all the short films nominees together before 97th Academy Awards on March 2.
In addition to the film nominee screenings, the event will include industry networking, local film updates, drinks for sale and specials at nearby downtown restaurants.
Doors open at 1 p.m. and film screenings will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the Documentary Short Film nominees, followed by Animated Short Film nominees at 5 p.m. and Live Action nominees at 7 p.m.
If you go | Rockford’s Oscar Shorts screening
When: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 1
Where: The Music Box of Rockford, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Rating: Some programs may not be appropriate for viewers younger than 18 due to gun violence, shootings, language and animated nudity.
Cost: $15 plus fees per screening or $30 plus fees for an all-day access pass.
Info: plussevencompany.com/oscars
Schedule
- 1 p.m. – Doors open
- 1:30 p.m. – 2025 Oscar Documentary Short Film nominees screening block 1
- 3 p.m. – Intermission
- 3:10 p.m. – 2025 Oscar Documentary Short Film nominees screening block 2
- 4:15 p.m. – Intermission and networking
- 5 p.m. – 2025 Oscar Animated Short Film nominees screening
- 6:30 p.m. – Intermission and networking
- 7 p.m. – 2025 Oscar Live Action Short Film nominees screening
- 9 p.m. – After party (The Music Box opens to public)
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
