Don Hertzfeldt’s It’s Such a Beautiful Day (2012) & Me (2024)

Though animator Don Hertzfeldt may be better known in popular culture for his stunning Academy Award nominee “Rejected,” or perhaps for his ‘Future Bart/Lisa/Marge’ contribution to the beloved “Clown in the Dumps” episode of The Simpsons, “It’s Such a Beautiful Day” is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, animated or not. And naturally, it’s also one of the greatest animated feature films of the 21st century.

Divided into three chapters, all of which were originally released as shorts, the first segment -“Everything Will Be OK” (2006) – received the Grand Prize at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, and was painstakingly followed up by the second and third segments, “I Am So Proud of You” (2008) and the titular “It’s Such a Beautiful Day” (2011). Combined the three shorts received an unprecedented 90+ festival awards during their original releases. Filled with humor, both silly and dark, these masterpieces follow the deeply philosophical story of Bill, a stick figure of a man suffering from memory loss, hallucinations, and, well… this thing we all call life.

Preceding “It’s Such a Beautiful Day” will be Hertzfeldt’s newest short “Me,” as well as a surprise additional short. As with other ICFS events, expect prizes, surprises, comfy couches and a convenient bar. Though Not Rated, “It’s Such a Beautiful Day” is NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN. 95 minutes.