Sydney film enthusiasts to help

in search for best short film

THE annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival returns to Glen Street Theatre as part of a global event when more than 100,000 people in over 300 cities across six continents gather in cinemas, galleries, universities, museums and cafes to view and vote for their favourite short film.

The event takes place around the world over one week and shortlisted films will be screened at Glen Street Theatre on Sunday September 28, from 3pm.

The Fall (Norway), actress Lisa Carlehed.
Photo by Jens Ramborg

Audiences will be asked to judge the best film and votes from across the world will be tallied, with the winner announced on October 6 in New York.

This year, the festival received entries from 47 countries, with films from Germany, Mexico, England, France, Norway, USA, Netherlands and Australia making up the 10 finalists.

Founding Director Nicholas Mason, originally from St Ives on Sydney’s North Shore, is overwhelmed by the festivals ability to bring people together.

“MANHATTAN SHORT unites people in all corners of the globe, from Sydney to Mumbai, from Buenos Aires to Cairo. In times like these, cross-border events like this that contribute toward greater tolerance and understanding are needed more than ever,” he said.

“I want to thank and congratulate all the filmmakers and cinemas involved in this global cinematic event. This project is not going to cable TV or Video on Demand, it’s about communities bonding together via their local cinema.”

The first MANHATTAN SHORT was held in 1998 when Mason screened 16 short films on the side of a truck in Little Italy, New York. A year later the Festival moved to Union Square Park and it was events after 9/11 that transformed this event into a worldwide phenomenon.

It became the only film festival to unfold simultaneously in more than 250 cinemas on six continents, bringing over 100,000 film-lovers in all corners of the globe together for one week, through the next generation of filmmakers.

Glen Street Theatre’s screening of MANHATTAN SHORT holds a special place in Mason’s heart. He grew up locally and says of the screening, “The event is taking place in 300 cities spanning six continents - but no more important venue than this one.”

For more information on MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival or to watch trailers and read detailed interviews with the 10 finalists visit www.manhattanshort.com

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