A good short film should communicate its key point within its abbreviated time span. That considered, the two spots that MTV’s “Think” initiative has produced to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day are great short films. In 30 seconds, they lodge an uncomfortable nugget in our craws; in one, “Subway,” a metropolitan underground commuter train delivers its passengers to a modern-day concentration camp. In the other, “Family Room,” a family enjoying a quiet evening at home is carted away by jackbooted thugs. Both end with the tag, “The Holocaust happened to people like us.” For the millions of people that only know the word Holocaust second- or third-hand (and routinely employ the words “Nazi” and “Gestapo” as if they were punch lines), these spots help make the events real. You know what the teachers say: “Whatever it takes to get the kids to read Shakespeare.” Check out the shorts and discuss below:

SUBWAY:
FAMILY ROOM: