Short films are like the one-night stands of cinema. You start off apprehensive about what is going to happen and just when you thought you connected with the character, you’re leaving the dark room and letting your eyes adjust to the light. The 13th annual Manhattan Short Film Festival presents the opportunity to get away from the books this weekend without that fleeting regret.
Founded in 1988, the Manhattan Short Film Festival selects ten films from all around the world to be shown in over 48 different countries. This year, ten films were selected from a pool of 598 submissions. Represented countries include Australia, Canada, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, Hungary, Peru, Egypt and the United States.
This year’s festival presents a variety of different films that range from inspiring Holocaust stories to uncomfortable conversations with Julia Stiles.
The film I Love Luci tells the story of a recovering drug addict on her comical escapade to find her missing teeth and beloved dog. The Legend of Beaver Dam is much more Blair Witch project-esque, recounting the horrific tale of Stumpy Sam and his attack on a group of campers in the woods. Some of the entries are more serious, including one from Egypt, Martyr Friday, telling an inspirational insider account of the 2011 political uprising in Cairo.
This particular theatre experience is unique in that the viewers are the judges. After each film premieres, audiences will be given ballots to choose a winner. The votes will be counted and the winner will be announced on Sunday, October 2nd.
Several past finalists have gone on to win the Oscars in the short film category. Thus, the Manhattan Short is an optimal opportunity to see the next generation of filmmakers before they make their big breaks.
According to their website, the organization’s mission is to “unite audiences from all corners of the globe for one week via the most compelling short films submitted each year.” In one wee, more than 100,000 people will come together to vote on these ten films.
Coolidge Corner Theatre is one of 200 venues hosting this global event. The films will be showing until Sunday.
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