Four animated shorts produced by the National Film Board of Canada reveal rich worlds in which all seek the place where they belong. Meltdown, a film by Carrie Mombourquette (2012) In this short animation, a polar bear must try his luck finding a job in the big city when the last of his Arctic ice environment disappears. It’s hard fitting into the human world, however, so this bear finds a more creative solution to his predicament. (1 minute) Produced as part of the 8th edition of the NFB’s Hothouse apprenticeship. Hedgehog's Home, a film by Eve Cvijanovic (2017) Based on the story by Branko Ćopić, this animated short tells the tale of a hedgehog living in a lush and lively forest. He is respected and envied by the other animals. However, Hedgehog’s devotion to his home annoys a quartet of insatiable beasts. Together, they march off towards Hedgehog’s home and spark a tense and prickly standoff. (10 minutes) M. C. Escher: l'air et l'eau I, a film by Gayle Thomas (1998) This short animation mixes traditional and computer animation to explore one of M.C. Escher's most famous works, the woodcut Sky and Water I (1938). Accompanied by a stunning soundtrack, this mesmerizing film playfully explores and deconstructs the optical illusion within one of the Dutch artist's most recognizable pieces. This film has no dialogue. (3 minutes) A Sea Turtle Story, a film by Kathy Shultz (2012) This animated short chronicles the life cycle of the critically endangered sea turtle. Capturing the beauty of the ecosystems that sea turtles inhabit, the film is ideal for all audiences, and for teaching young and old alike about these fascinating creatures. (9 minutes)