Boxballet

The boxer Evgeny and the ballerina Olya encounter each other while moving through very different daily routines. Their awkward attraction develops despite the contrast between his battered boxing world and her disciplined ballet company.

The ballet director uses his authority to pressure and mistreat her rather than judging her only as a dancer. Olya rejects that exploitation, while Evgeny's direct loyalty offers a sharp contrast.

Russian animator Anton Dyakov wrote and directed the hand-drawn short. Its restrained dialogue makes body language, movement, and the contrast between boxing and ballet carry much of the story.

Boxballet was nominated for Best Animated Short Film at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022. The award went to The Windshield Wiper, directed by Alberto Mielgo.