“Retirement Plan” is a 2024 Irish animated short film directed by John Kelly and co-written by John Kelly and Tara Lawall. It is Kelly’s debut film. The 7-minute animated film about the fantasies of a middle-aged man has received positive reviews and been awarded at various international film festivals, including Palm Springs International ShortFest and SXSW. The film’s style, described as expressively understated, subdued, and stripped back, was animated using MoHo animation software. It has been nominated for Best Animated Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Kelly was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience and work on the film, which you can listen to or watch below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on YouTube through The New Yorker and is up for your consideration for this year’s Academy Awards. Thank you, and enjoy!
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