Lights, Camera, Action!
You Be the Judge at the Manhattan Short Film Festival
By The LocaL Staff
Film lovers in Columbus are about to become movie critics as the Manhattan Short Film Festival returns to the Columbus Public Library this September. This unique event unites audiences in over 500 venues across six continents, all gathered to watch and judge the next generation of filmmakers from around the world.
This year’s festival features a collection of ten remarkable films from seven countries, including the United States, Spain, Israel, the United Kingdom, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Mexico. From a pool of 1,250 submissions, these films have been selected as the best of the best, and all ten are Oscar-qualified, making this a truly special event to experience right here in Columbus.
What makes the Manhattan Short Film Festival so unique is that you are the judge.
Upon entry, every audience member receives a ballot to vote for their favorite film and actor. Your votes will be tallied with thousands of others from around the globe to determine this year’s winners, which will be announced on October 7th at ManhattanShort.com. You become an instant film critic, getting to weigh in on the best short films from around the world. It’s a powerful experience to see your voice become part of a global collective to recognize great art.
The range of films this year promises a truly diverse and captivating experience. From a comedy about “Griffin Hunting” in the United States to a deep and moving story from Israel titled “We Have Sinned Before You,” the festival offers a mosaic of genres, voices, and cultures. Each short film is a condensed masterpiece, telling a full and impactful story in just minutes, a testament to the creativity and talent of these directors.
As founding director Nicholas Mason explains, the festival’s growth from a single screen in a New York City street to a worldwide phenomenon is a testament to the power of film itself. “Manhattan Short is a ‘no logo’ experience: it always has been about great films, a great concept, great venues, and an appreciative audience. It is that combination that makes MANHATTAN SHORT one of the largest short film festivals in the world today. I’m so proud to be part of it because it is the public who have created it.”
For the Chattahoochee Valley, having the library as a host for this event is a perfect fit. The library’s mission is to promote convenient access to ideas and opportunities for discovery, and this festival is a prime example of that commitment. It’s your chance to see a world-class film festival and to actively participate in it, all for free.
The screenings will take place in the library’s auditorium and are free and open to the public, with no tickets required.
Event Details:
- When: Saturday, September 27 at 2:00 p.m. and Monday, September 29 at 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this global cinematic event and support the art of filmmaking.