For Release
Area libraries to host Manhattan Short
Mattoon, Charleston and Effingham libraries are part of global screenings Three area libraries have teamed up to offer the Manhattan Short films to east central Illinois residents.
The libraries in Mattoon, Charleston and Efingham join more than 100,000 film enthusiasts around the world for screenings between Sept. 28 and Oct. 8. The local showings are at 6 p.m. on Sept. 28 and Oct. 8 in the lower basement of the Mattoon Public Library, 1600 Charleston Ave.; on Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. at the Effingham Public Library, 200 N. Third St., and at 3 p.m. on October 6 at the Charleston Carnegie Public Library, 712 Sixth St.
The festival, in its 26th year, selects 10 short film finalists from around the world. The entire program lasts about 2.5 hours including a short intermission. For the 10 finalists, the films are automatically Oscar-qualified.
This is the first year the libraries combined to offer the films at multiple regional sites. Those attending a screening may vote for the best film and best actor.
“By working together we bring a film festival with international reach so that patrons throughout our region have multiple dates and times to conveniently enjoy this outstanding collection of films that they can’t see anywhere else,” said Carl Walworth, Mattoon Public Library director.
Chris Houchens, director at the Charleston Carnegie Public Library, said the festival adds to the library’s lineup of cultural activities. “This allows us to provide a program with an international flavor in our market that consistently shows its appreciation for the arts.”
Amanda McKay, Effingham Public Library director, said the Manhattan Short is another way for the Suzette Brumleve Memorial Library to offer patrons programs that go beyond the traditional library offering. “We look for opportunities to enhance our community in multiple ways. This program adds to our efforts to provide quality, diverse programming.”
The Manhattan Short program is free and open to anyone; no library card is required.
The ten Manhattan Short finalists hail from seven countries with films from Australia, Afghanistan, Finland, Iran, Switzerland, UK and Canada alongside three films from the USA.
These films represent the best short films from among 850 submissions from 72 countries received by Manhattan Short for 2023, testimony to the enduring vibrancy and creativity of short
films worldwide.
The Manhattan Short Final Ten are:
Sunless (USA), Voice Activated (Australia), Yellow (Afghanistan), Tuulikki (Finland), The Family Circus (USA), Career Day (USA), Snail (Iran), The Record (Switzerland), The Stupid Boy (UK), Soleil De Nuit (Canada)
The 2023 line-up is linked by a common theme: how we face adversity, whether it is imposed by others or arises from personal circumstances. The 10 short films in the program feature narratives that are dramatic, sometimes humorous, occasionally magical and always inspirational!
All Final Ten short films become Oscar-qualified, meaning they will be automatically eligible for an Academy Award nomination by screening for a week at the Arena CineLounge in Hollywood in Los Angeles County from Sep 22 to Sept 28.
You Be the Judge!
Which of these Final Ten short films is the best? That’s up to a worldwide audience to decide. Cinema-goers across the United States and around the globe will become instant film critics as they are handed a ballot upon entry that allows them to vote for the Best Film and Actor.
Manhattan Short is the ultimate audience award that salutes the creative talents of both directors behind the camera and actors in front of it. Votes will be sent through to Manhattan Short HQ with the winner announced at ManhattanShort.com on Monday Oct 9, at 10AM EST
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