ROCKPORT — On Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 1 p.m., the Rockport Public Library will celebrate National Short Film Day with a screening of the film Helium (2013, 22 min). A winner and nominee at numerous international film festivals, Helium received an Oscar in 2014 for Best Short Film, Live Action.
 
The film is about a terminally ill young boy named Alfred who develops a friendship with an eccentric hospital janitor named Enzo. Enzo tells Alfred stories about a magical fantasy world called Helium — which fills Alfred with joy and solace, and provides him with a safe haven away from his prognosis.
 
The Danish film, directed by Anders Walter, is tender and beautifully acted, according to RPL, in a news release.

“It reminds viewers of the power of creativity and how precious compassion and hope can be,” said the Library.
 
The film will be shown in Dutch with English subtitles in the library's Rockport Room. A discussion will follow the screening, for those who wish to participate.
 
More information about this and other programs from the Rockport Library can be found at rockport.lib.me.us.