A lovely pairing of first-rate animation and well-chosen jazz makes the Spanish film Chico and Rita a multifaceted pleasure, despite a conventional scenario. Set primarily in Cuba in the late 40s and early 50s, the story begins with an elderly Chico remembering the love of his life, the mellifluous-voiced singer Rita.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nominates short films in animation, live action and documentary categories. For several years, animation and live-action nominees are presented in a program at Landmark cinemas here before Oscar night to acquaint audiences with these works. Of course, any compilation is a mixed bag, but most of these nominees are stunning.

The Webster Film Series, St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) and KDHX present a seminar with visiting filmmaker Jay Duplass. Writer/director Jay Duplass (“The Puffy Chair,” “Baghead,” “Cyrus”), SLIFF’s Contemporary Cinema Award winner, will offer an instructive seminar on independent filmmaking.

The Webster Film Series, St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) and KDHX present a seminar with visiting filmmaker Bill Plympton. SLIFF honoree Bill Plympton will discuss his storied career as an independent animator, shows samples of his work, and offer advice and insight to aspiring filmmakers.

Washington University's sixth annual, free African Film Festival screens Friday, March 25 through Sunday, March 27. It includes a Youth Matinee at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26. The eight programs offer diverse genres and topics, from Kenya's first science fiction film to Africa's first feature-length animated film, from fables to cautionary tales.

Each year the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nominates five films in the Short Film Live Action category and five in the Short Film Animation category. It's a treat to get to see all of them in programs at the Tivoli ahead of the February 27th awards ceremony.