This week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced the short-list of Documentary Short Subject films that will be eligible for nominations for this year’s Academy Awards.

Here’s a list of the films:

The Blood of Yingzhou District (pictured on homepage)- The Blood of Yingzhou District is a stunningly shot, sensitive portrait of a hidden AIDS epidemic in China, a country not commonly associated with the disease. . Hong Kong-born filmmaker Ruby Yang and award-winning producer Thomas Lennon followed orphans in the rural villages of Yingzhou District for one year.

Dear Talula(pictured here) - Filmmaker Lori Benson is a quintessential downtown New Yorker who was diagnosed with breast cancer just 14 months after the birth of her daughter Talula. With much grace and humor, Benson brings us along as her friends and husband document an emotionally charged year.

The Diary of Immaculée – Peter LeDonne’s The Diary of Immaculée reveals the horrific, yet inspiring story of a remarkable woman’s experiences in the midst the Rwanda genocide, one of history’s most tragic events.

Phoenix Dance - Karina Epperlein's Phoenix Dance follows Homer Avila as he dances a pas de deux despite the loss of his leg.

Recycled Life – Directed by Leslie Iwerks, this documentary is an account of people living and working around a toxic landfill in Guatemala City.

Rehearsing a Dream - Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon's documentary short follows talented 17-year-old artists during a week of mentoring with artists such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Vanessa Williams and Michael Tilson Thomas.

A Revolving Door - Marilyn Braverman's film captures a family as they help a son deal with mental illness and addiction.

Two Hands - Directed by Nathaniel Kahn, Two Hands, is a portrait of pianist Leon Fleisher, who after losing the ability to play with his right hand in the '60s played with only his left until experimental surgery enabled him to return to playing with both hands.

The official nominations for the 79th Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, January 23, 2007. In the meantime, check back to see if these films are playing at a festival near you.

Long live indie film,
Michelle