And now it’s time for the second group of 2026 Tribeca Festival animated shorts selected by Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg. Here are my highlights of the six shorts in “Animated Shorts Curated by Whoopi G” presentation, as well as exclusive filmmaker statements for Animation Scoop. For info and tickets to all Tribeca events, visit TribecaFilm.com. (Shorts are listed here in the order presented on the Tribeca website.)

“Me, Myself, and Mary”, starring the voices of Chris O’Dowd and Aisling Bea, is inspired by the true story of Seamus O’Reilly’s eventful experience at his job — while on drugs — with the President of Ireland. Detailed narration, vibrant visuals and plenty of humor.

“Me, Myself and Mary” has been seven years in the making. When I started that process, I couldn’t have imagined that the film would involve crew spanning the UK, Ireland, and Brazil, and get incredible support from the likes of multi award-winning Factory Studios. Nor could I have predicted that by the time the film would be finished, the fact that it was done so entirely by humans would be anything but given. A lot of skilled people gave a lot of time to make the film for the simple reason that they loved the story. So being selected for Tribeca is a wonderful testament to those people and that journey. Not only am I delighted to participate in such an amazing festival but I’m also over the moon that the hard work of everyone involved will be shared with such an reputable audience. We hope you enjoy our short. – Director John Michell

“Violet and Marlowe Rob a Bank” is exactly what the title suggests, though what may surprise you is that the title characters… are rabbits. It’s three minutes long, with a bold POV and moments that are unlike anything I’ve seen.

“I’m honored to be a part of this amazing category curated by Whoopi Goldberg, alongside so many incredible other artists! Showcasing my work at Tribeca has been a lifelong dream of mine.” — Director Wesley Wang

“Under the Lake” features wire characters, including a father and son. This is a dramatic thriller with well-paced, escalating tension, a rich atmosphere and great music.

“For me, being part of Tribeca is much more than a professional milestone; it’s a way of reconnecting with the roots of my passion for cinema, which has always been deeply influenced by American filmmaking. From Spielberg’s sense of spectacle to Fincher’s precision, and the legacy of filmmakers like Scorsese or Coppola, those references have shaped my vision. Under the Lake is born from that dialogue — blending genres like the Western and psychological thriller while maintaining a distinct identity. Presenting the film in New York feels especially meaningful, as it brings the project into the very industry that has inspired it from the beginning.” — Director Juan Carlos Mostaza

A mother attempts to make it through a challenging day in “Because Today is Saturday”. We explore what she’s really feeling — her inner struggles, emotions and hopes — in honest and striking ways.

“I was very happy and surprised to be selected for the Tribeca Festival. It felt so unreal that I had to read the email out loud to everybody at the studio, just to make sure it was true. Knowing that “Because Today Is Saturday!” was handpicked by the one and only Whoopi Goldberg is truly surreal. It is both an honor and a privilege. That doesn’t mean I don’t believe in my film. I do, and I worked very hard on it. It took me nearly five years to make, from the initial idea to securing funding until drawing and painting the final frame. But, with so many films out there, this selection at Tribeca makes me feel incredibly lucky. I’m excited for the film to reach new audiences and very curious to see how it will be received. This film is deeply personal to me. It is partly based on my own experience as a mother, and it also reflects a moment in my life when I fully recognized myself as a feminist. It draws inspiration from my readings on motherhood, the mental load, and the role of women in society. One of my key influences is Simone de Beauvoir, particularly her reflection on invisible domestic labor: “Few tasks are more like the torture of Sisyphus than housework, with its endless repetition.” I was also strongly inspired by Virginia Woolf, especially her essay A Room of One’s Own, where she emphasizes the importance of financial independence and a private space for creative work. In this film, my protagonist is searching for at least a mental space where she can feel free. At its core, this film carries an element of activism. I hope it can spark meaningful discussions and conversations, and perhaps even contribute, in some small way, to social and political change, so that mothers don’t have to sacrifice so much.” — Director Alice Eça Guimarães

“Saba” unfolds in essentially one continuous shot, as we explore the relationship between a young boy and his grandfather. There are even more impactful layers to the look and structure of this short, which has effective dramatic scenes.

“We are truly honored to premiere our film at the Tribeca Film Festival. It’s a festival we’ve long admired for championing bold, personal storytelling, so it feels like a very meaningful place to introduce Saba to an audience for the first time. While the film comes from a deeply personal place, inspired by my own family, its message is universal. People from every culture and background can connect to it through their own experiences of love, loss, and the endless search for closure. We have all lost someone who shaped who we are today, and the film celebrates that in a poetic way. Artists from all over the world came together to create this film, and we are thrilled to finally share it with an audience. It feels both exciting and a little surreal, and it means a great deal to all of us on the Saba team to begin the film’s journey in a place that truly values this kind of storytelling.” — Director Liron Topaz

And “APART”, co-written by legendary Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Lee, is about two boys — best friends — in South Africa in 1989. A powerful short about the perseverance of friendship and love in difficult times.
“I’m drawn to stories that explore intimate character dynamics within a broader social context, never in a vacuum. With APART, I wanted to depict a love so honest and beautiful it could plausibly withstand the forces around it. The film asks audiences to believe a bond like this can endure, while reminding us that love and freedom depend on active advocacy and resisting complacency. APART is a tragedy that asks us to consider a different path.” — Director Pola Maneli