(Reference: Motionographer.com) 'The Forest' is a wonderful animated short created and directed by German animator and programmer David Scharf - it's also his final thesis at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. The story centers on a daydreaming 12-year-old girl named Antonia, whose imagination takes her into a magical faraway forest where she hides from the problems of the real world. Without giving away too much, her father shatters the world and forces her to make some difficult choices (you should just watch for yourself, it's only six minutes long).

Really exceptional work by Scharf here. The animation is stylish and unique, and the storytelling is a true standout against much of the visual over narrative common in grad work. Drop by his site at www.huesforalice.com and let him know you appreciate it  - or better yet, hire the man.