Retirement Plan (film)
| Retirement Plan | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | John Kelly |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | Domhnall Gleeson |
Release date |
|
Running time | 7 minutes |
| Country | Ireland |
| Language | English |
Retirement Plan is a 2024 Irish animated short film directed by John Kelly[1] and co-written by John Kelly and Tara Lawall[2]. It is Kelly's debut film.[3] The 7-minute animated film[4] about the fantasies of a middle-aged man has been awarded in various international film festivals,[5] including Palm Spring International ShortFest[6] and SXSW Festival.[7]
The film's style, which has been described as expressively understated, subdued and strip-back[8][9] was animated using MoHo animation software.[10][11]
The film was nominated for Best Animated Short Film[12][13] at the 98th Academy Awards.[14]
Plot
Overwhelmed by his life, middle-aged man Ray (Domhnall Gleeson) dreams about his retirement, planning everything he'd like to do once he finally has time for himself.
Accolades
Since its release, the film has been selected for various festivals around the world and the Oscars:
| Year | Festivals | Award/Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Galway Film Fleadh | Best Animated Short[15] | Nominated |
| 2025 | SXSW | Grand Jury Award[16] | Won |
| Audience Award[17] | Won | ||
| Palm Spring International ShortFest | Best of the Festival Award[18] | Won | |
| Indy Shorts International Film Fest | Best Animated Short[19] | Won | |
| HollyShorts Film Festival | Best Animated Short[20] | Nominated | |
| Bali International Film Festival | Best Animated Short[21] | Won | |
| Foyle Film Festival | Best Animated Short Film[22] | Won | |
| 2025 | Academy Awards | Best Animated Short[23] | Nominated |
See also
References
- ^ Jackson, Destiny (2025-09-17). "Filmmaker John Kelly On Creating The 'Panic Attack' Inspired Domhnall Gleeson Animated Short 'Retirement Plan'; 'I Was Prioritizing The Future At The Expense Of The Present'". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ^ "How a panic attack turned into a film festival darling". The Panther Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- ^ Zahed, Ramin (2025-08-27). "How Irish Director John Kelly Made His Award-Winning, Crowd-Pleaser, 'Retirement Plan'". Animation Magazine. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ^ Mendoza, Leia (2025-09-17). "Animation Is Film Unveils 2025 Festival Lineup: 'Arco,' 'Scarlet,' 'Paranorman: The Thrifting' and More". Variety. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ^ "Screen Ireland-supported projects Hallow Road, Mix Tape and Retirement Plan selected for SXSW 2025". Screen Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ^ Mendoza, Leia (2025-06-29). "2025 Palm Springs International ShortFest Winners: 'Retirement Plan,' 'Shanti Rides Shotgun' and 'Medusa' Win Top Prizes". Variety. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ^ "Strong reaction to Irish film and TV at SXSW 2025 as animated short Retirement Plan wins award". Screen Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ^ "John Kelly's RETIREMENT PLAN – A Delicate Animated Short Blending Humour and Heartfelt Depth". FILM & TELEVISION BUSINESS. 2025-02-28. Retrieved 2026-02-28.
- ^ John Kelly (2026-02-17). Retirement Plan (2026 Oscar Nominee) - Final Trailer. Retrieved 2026-02-28 – via YouTube.
- ^ Jackson, Destiny (2025-09-17). "Filmmaker John Kelly On Creating The 'Panic Attack' Inspired Domhnall Gleeson Animated Short 'Retirement Plan'; 'I Was Prioritizing The Future At The Expense Of The Present'". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ^ Kelly, John (December 29, 2026). "Retirement Plan ✍️Behind the Scenes ✍️ Animation pt 1".
- ^ Davis, Clayton (2025-12-16). "Oscars Shortlists Announced in 12 Categories: 'Sinners' and 'Wicked: For Good' Lead, 'Sirât' Gets Strong Showing". Variety. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- ^ Verhoeven, Beatrice; Lewis, Hilary (2025-12-16). "2026 Oscars Shortlists Revealed". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- ^ "98TH OSCARS® SHORTLISTS IN 12 AWARD CATEGORIES ANNOUNCED". press.oscars.org. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- ^ "Galway Film Fleadh announces full programme for the 37th edition | The Irish Film & Television Network". www.iftn.ie. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
- ^ Smith, Kate (2025-03-17). "Audience Award Winners for the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival". SXSW. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
- ^ Smith, Kate (2025-03-17). "Audience Award Winners for the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival". SXSW. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ^ Birnbaum, Debra (2025-06-29). "'Retirement Plan' crowned best of fest at Palm Springs International ShortFest". Gold Derby. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
- ^ "Indy Shorts Film Festival 2025". tickets.indyshorts.org. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
- ^ "John Kelly's "Retirement Plan" Heads to HollyShorts". League of Filmmakers. 2025-08-08. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
- ^ Made (2025-06-09). "Balinale Takes A Bow And Announces Winners". Balinale. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ^ "Foyle Film Festival reveals 2025 Light in Motion Competition Award Winners | The Irish Film & Television Network". www.iftn.ie. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- ^ "Jessie Buckley among Irish Oscar nominees". January 22, 2026 – via www.rte.ie.