Sailing full-steam ahead into its 8th year, the DC Shorts Film Festival, one of the
largest audience-driven collections of short films in the nation, is back again and is better
than ever.
For one special week in September—September 8th through the 18th—art
enthusiasts in general, and film lovers specifically, can join together at 1 of 4 scenes
throughtout D.C. to rub elbows with hundreds of filmmakers and thousands of
theatregoers to enjoy a assortment of short films from across the globe. With Comedies,
dramas, animations, documentaries, and even stop-motion imagery clips encompassing
over 145 exceptional films from 23 nations, there is certainly something for everyone.
This event is what MovieMaker Magazine calls "one of 20 festivals worth an entry
fee" and "one of the leading film festivals" in the country.
"I think it turned out awesome," shared Wing Woo, a Washington, D.C. native
and first time DC Shorts volunteer. "I got a chance to sneak in and see a couple of films,
and they were pretty good."
It as an international art gallery for films. The lights are dim as any other theatre,
and attendees are seated auditorium style. However, what is witnessed on screen is much
more raw and intriguing than what most mainstream movies offer . Showing several films
in approximately 90 minutes, and all for 12 bucks this film festival sets itself apart, for
more reasons than one.
"DC Shorts is one of the only film festivals that give written feedback to every film
that's entered and it's extremely unique," said Ben Krieger, a D.C. resident and venue
manager at the E Street Theatre. "That's why I got drawn into it and the fact that it's in
DC makes it a national event and an international event. I'm really glad to have so many
Brazilian films this year."
Attesting to its prestige, the festival has certainly grown in popularity since its
2003 inception. Appearing at merely two theatres in 2010, films are now being shown at
four unique locations: Landmark E Street Theatre in downtown D.C.; Artisphere in
Rosslyn, Virginia; Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street NE; and the US Navy
Memorial Heritage Center in Penn Quarter.
"Having this festival in D.C. gives people the opportunity to really be a part of the
D.C. culture," said Tiffany Giles, a junior Film Production student. "A lot of times we
look towards New York and L.A. for inspiration but this puts the focus on D.C. There's a
lot of stuff here that people don't realize."
DC Shorts Film Festival gives people from all over a chance to enrich themselves
in the culture of the District and to bask in the creative genius of talented artists from
around the world. It is a Hilltop "Must-Attend."
"Our festival proves that great film is no longer just from Hollywood," said Jon Garr,
DC Shorts Festival director and founder, "but from everyone and everywhere."
For a complete and interactive listing of all the films, showcase times and locations, and
party information, visit www.dcshorts.com.
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