Set to a war anthem from Bellini’s opera Norma, this two-minute segment features a chorus of forest creatures led by an enigmatic squirrel:

This 2017 short, called Last of the Korean Mermaids, is a story of individual tenacity and perseverance. It follows the story of a steely deep-sea diver (the elderly Haenyeo) who even in her later years continues a centuries-old Korean tradition, diving 50 feet down in one breath to gather seafood from the ocean floor:

Offering a deliciously dark interlude after a coffee break, Plaisir Sucré tells the story of a confrontation between a timid IT guy and an angry donut.

Robot & the Robots suggests a utopia when all forms of technology work in perfect harmony. Creator Ricard Badia says it’s a a celebration of music, experimentation and of course, robots!”

With a nod to kung fu and hip hop, the superb Hong Kong Ballet offers a burst of energy in the delightful 2.5 minute short Never Standing Still, set to Maurice Ravel’s orchestral piece “Boléro.”

In the short Opposites Game, filmmakers Anna Samo and Lisa LaBracio depict students debating the question: What is a gun? Using the the words of poet Brendan Constantine, the beautiful stop-motion animation traces how a diverse collective can tackle a challenging topic together.

🖋 Sign up for The Memo from Quartz at Work

A dispatch from the world of modern work. Learn how you can help create a productive, creative, and compassionate work culture.