TEDWomen 2019 explored topics ranging from immigration to climate change, from menopause to sexism and beyond. To interweave dazzling talks and introduce sessions, curators CC Hutten and Jonathan Wells handpicked a series of short videos that complemented the themes and narratives that ran throughout the conference. Their selections highlighted the ideas shared, offered viewers a fresh perspective or provided levity and humor following a somber moment. But what these videos all had in common? Top notch art.
Enjoy the 17 short films presented at TEDWomen 2019, curated to embolden and invite brilliance even in the darkest of times.
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The short: “Strength.” A meditation on the wonders and power of the female body and mind.
The creators: Hedvig Ahlberg and Agathe Barbier
Shown during: Session 1, Truth Tellers
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The short: “Still I Rise.” What do you get when you mix Maya Angelou reciting her poem “Still I Rise” with a message raising awareness of rural women’s fight to end global hunger? A lasting message of hope.
The creator: United Nations’ International Fund for Agricultural Development
Shown during: Session 1, Truth Tellers
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The short: “Wide Awake.” An entrancing animated story about chasing something until it consumes you. TED worked with Wendy McNaughton and her global database of female illustrators, Women Who Draw, to showcase artist Min Liu and display the impact of inclusiveness in art.
The creator: Min Liu
Shown during: Session 2, Pattern Makers
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The short: “Procrastinators.” The perfectionist, cleaner, foodie, napper, avoider, worrier, five-minute liar or “oh sh*t” — which one are you? We hope you get around to figuring it out …
The creator: Nas Alhusain
Shown during: Session 2, Pattern Makers
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The short: “ANIMALIA.” Set to funky music, this film will make you want to write Valentine’s Cards to all the animals at the zoo.
The creator: MINDFRUIT
Shown during: Session 3, Planet Protectors
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The short: “Maestro.” Once upon a time, in an enchanted forest under the light of a full moon, a bird begins to sing opera, which inspires squirrel to conduct its fellow woodland creatures in a passionate symphonic performance.
The creator: Bloom Pictures
Shown during: Session 3, Planet Protectors
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The short: “The Last of the Korean Mermaids.” Can you imagine diving 50 feet in a single breath to the ocean floor? Follow an elderly Haenyeo who has dedicated her life to the centuries-old Korean tradition of diving that will likely end with her generation.
The creator: Borderland
Shown during: Session 3, Planet Protectors
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The short: “Da Da Ding.” A celebration of Indian female athletes and a rallying cry to urge the next generation to continue breaking conventions through sports.
The creator: François Rousselet
Shown during: Session 4, Taboo Breakers
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The short: “Plaisir Sucré.” A man comes face-to-face with his circular nemesis: a pink-frosted donut.
The creator: MegaComputeur
Shown during: Session 4, Taboo Breakers
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOgQpjARYyc&w=560&h=315%5D
The short: “I Dare You.” A four-piece female-fronted punk rock band bops around in an ethereal set, wearing color-blocked outfits.
The creator: The Regrettes
Shown during: Session 5, Meaning Seekers
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The short: “Never Standing Still.” Neon-clad ballet dancers perform choreographed dance around Hong Kong to a remix of Maurice Ravel’s “Boléro.”
The creator: Dean Alexander
Shown during: Session 5, Meaning Seekers
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The short: “Robot & The Robots.” Personality-filled pastel robots play themselves!
The creator: Ricard Badia
Shown during: Session 5, Meaning Seekers
The short: “The Opposites Game.” A classroom erupts into a war of words as students grapple with a seemingly simple prompt: what is the opposite of a gun?
The creator: TED-Ed
Shown during: Session 5, Meaning Seekers
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG96RttfZtM&w=560&h=315%5D
The short: “Back in Pocket.” An adorable boy and girl dance in their neighborhood and playground.
The creator: TED-Ed
Shown during: Session 6, Wayfinders
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHBXng2Fybs
The short: “Dumpling Time!!” A heartwarming animation about a cat and dog sharing dumplings and making sure the other is happy.
The creator: A day of us
Shown during: Session 6, Wayfinders
The short: “Katelyn Ohashi.” Gymnast Katelyn Ohashi’s viral floor routine in Anaheim is a perfect ten.
The creator: UCLA Athletics
Shown during: Session 6, Wayfinders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXy6JElmgHU
The short: “#SingItKitty.” A girl and her kitten lip-synch Starship’s “We Built This City” while pedaling a pink tricycle through a suburban cul-de-sac.
The creator: Three UK
Shown during: Session 6, Wayfinders