D.C. Shorts: Movie Watching for ADD

Movie-watching for ADD

FREE MOVIES!!!

Now that I have your attention: allow me to introduce, or announce, the 7th annual DC Shorts Film Festival. If you’re already a fan of the festival, you know what’s going on; but if, by any chance these words have fallen on virgin ears allow me to introduce.

Started in 2003 by Jon Gann, a filmmaker frustrated with the lack of attention given to these films, DC Shorts is DC’s only festival celebrating short films. Starting September 9th and continuing to the 16th, DC Shorts will showcase short films from DC, the nation, and across the world. Representing 11 countries, these 97 films range in time from one minute to 20. These films are then compiled into 2 hour showcases, to provide a rollercoaster experience for movie-goers. A mix of drama, action, comedy and documentaries are compiled so that even those with the shortest of attention spans can soldier on.

There are several benefits to catching the short film festival. The first of which is the phenomenal potential of getting to see a series of wholly satisfying movies. Finely crafted to show the pure heart, every story is whittled down to exclude all that maddening fluff. Housed in every showcase is a potential you won’t find in many theatres, to see back to back film of greatness. Not to say that every film here will be great, but the best part is: if a film sucks it’ll be over in 15 minutes! It’s movie-hopping on steroids, or (as the title states) movie-watching for ADD. (Now hopefully, you have enough humor to see I’m not making fun of people with ADD, nor is this a shot at the makers of short films.) Each movie is quickly encapsulated so the movie ends before you get tired of watching it; and if it isn’t to your liking a new one come and quickly wipe away the memory of the last.

Not that I think that’s going to be a problem.

If the films previewed serve as an accurate indication of what’s to come, I don’t think poor filmmaking is on the agenda. The three short films shown at the press screening were cute, endearing, and entertaining. My absolute favorite of the three would have to have to be Banana Bread a 9 minute comedy directed by Barton Landsman. About a Jewish man and his relationship with his mother; I won’t give it away, but I will never look at hand sanitizer the same. Corner Plot is a local documentary about a Silver Spring farmer who tries to survive in the midst of inner-city chaos. I wanted to find his farm and buy stuff. I simply loved this film, directed by Ian Cook and Andre Dahlman, it’s part of Showcase 5 and will kick off at US Navy Memorial on Friday, September 10. The last film, Expiration directed by Mark Nickelsburg, was cute that’s part of Showcase 6. But warning, you’d better lock your milk up first.

DC Shorts comes to E Street Cinema and US Navy Memorial in Washington DC. Banana Bread will kick things off on September 9th at the E Street Cinema. Tickets for Showcases are $12 each, (or 3 showcases for $30 and 5 for $45.) This is a great place to meet local filmmakers, or to get more information about filmmaking. Also offered are Free Family Events and Free Lunch Showings. So, if you’re interested you can get more information about showcases and locations online at www.dcshorts.com.