Ritardando 2025
In "Ritardando (2025)", Danish director Selma Sunniva crafts a poignant 11-minute animated short that blends drama and comedy against the backdrop of war.
Director: Selma Sunniva
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ritardando (2025) about?
A harpist named David barricades himself in his apartment to practice music, tuning out the chaos of war around him. When a neighbor begs him to flee to safety, David refuses, believing art—his art—is more powerful than violence.
Who directed Ritardando?
Selma Sunniva helms this animated short, bringing her unique vision to the intersection of drama and war.
Who stars in Ritardando?
The film features Thure Lindhardt as David, alongside Anne Sofie Wanstrup, Frederikke Dahl Hansen, Cæcilia Holbek Trier, and Rasmus Sølvsten in pivotal roles.
Is Ritardando (2025) worth watching?
With its striking animation and thought-provoking themes, "Ritardando" is a standout despite its brief runtime. While the IMDb rating is pending, its artistic ambition makes it a compelling watch for fans of genre-blending shorts.
How long is Ritardando?
The film runs for 11 minutes.
About Ritardando (2025) — Animation Short Where Art Meets War
In "Ritardando (2025)", Danish director Selma Sunniva crafts a poignant 11-minute animated short that blends drama and comedy against the backdrop of war. The film unfolds in a barricaded apartment where David, a passionate harpist, immerses himself in music to block out the chaos of conflict outside. When a neighbor urges him to seek shelter in the basement, David refuses, clinging instead to the belief that art—his art—transcends the brutality of war. The tension between personal passion and collective survival drives this visually striking narrative, set to haunting harp melodies that underscore the emotional weight of his choice.
Sunniva's direction infuses the film with a melancholic yet defiant atmosphere, where silence and music become acts of resistance. The minimalist animation style amplifies the intimacy of David's struggle, offering a stark contrast between the quietude of his practice and the rumbling uncertainty of the world beyond his door. Starring Thure Lindhardt, Anne Sofie Wanstrup, Frederikke Dahl Hansen, Cæcilia Holbek Trier, and Rasmus Sølvsten, "Ritardando (2025)" is a fleeting yet memorable exploration of creativity amidst crisis.