Something for Everyone in this year’s Manhattan Short(s) Film Festival

Let’s face it, we’re all used to – or dare I say – trained to, watch long films that we either view at our favorite movie theater, or stream online into our television sets at home.

But short films can be just as entertaining and educational as their larger format brethren. The Manhattan Short Film Festival has been Celebrating 24 Years of Short Films and filmmaking. And, once again, Bainbridge Island will be a venue for these cinematic wonders produced by directors from all over the world.

This year, the shorts will be held on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 24, 25 & 26 at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.  There are two separate showtimes each day,  3:00 and 7:00 pm.

If you’ve never viewed these snappy 10 minute gems, then you’re in for a treat. The last time we took in the shorts, we saw a clever take on an Iranian woman learning to drive, a bunch of Tunisian kids who accidentally use some sort of white powder (possibly Opium)  to chalk a soccer field,  two Finnish woman playing a blistering game of tennis, a waitress who fanaticizes about how she would like to treat difficult customers, and a modern day American tragedy about human trafficking.

“Many past shorts have been considered for Academy Awards,” says local Manhattan shorts organizer and movie maven TJ Faddis, “(and) two have even won that coveted prize. But this isn’t entirely a passive viewing, as you will vote for your favorite short and actor”

Tickets are $12 for BIMA members; $15 for those who are not yet members. And you can purchase them in advance from: https://www.biartmuseum.org/event/manshorts-2021/

All six showings feature the same 10 short films.  The program is roughly 2-1/2 hours long, including a  seven-minute intermission, but as Faddis emphasizes, “give yourselves extra time to fill out your ballot.”

Theater goers will be given a brochure and a voting card so they can vote for their favorite actor and favorite film. Winning filmmakers receive cash and/or filmmaking accessories to further her/his talent – and they will have their shorts reviewed by the Academy Award Committee with the possibility of having their film in the running for an Oscar.

“This year we have 10 Manhattan Short finalists hailing from eight countries,” Faddis notes. “These Final 10 represent the best short films from among the 970 entries received this year for consideration.  And this year’s collection is absolutely first rate . . . inventive storytelling and/or cinematography . . . terrific acting . . . polished filmmaking . . . and deftly curated with an eye toward balance.”

“Expect suspense, surprise, laughter, heart & soul, redemption, slice-of-life, and we even get an animated short this year,” adds Faddis.  “There is something to admire about each of these selections.  Click here to see the trailer and to read more about the 2021 Manhattan Short films.

IMPORTANT:  The Following Covid-19 Health & Safety Measures Are in Effect for this Event:

1.  BIMA requires proof of full immunization for entry into the auditorium.  Bring your proof of inoculation; we will ask to see it.  Click here to view acceptable forms of proof of vaccination.

2.  MASKS are required for entry into the auditorium and must remain on during the program.

3.  We are capping capacity at 60% in order to better maintain social distancing.

4.  We are following state & federal rules for indoor events and may cancel screenings if health mandates change.

For complete BIMA Covid-19 policies & safety measures, please click here:  https://www.biartmuseum.org/covid-19-policies/