Shorts to light up screen

FILM lovers can unite with an audience of over 100,000 in over 250 cities across six continents this week when the Manhattan Short Film Festival screens at The J.
The screening will feature 10 short films that have been selected from 589 entries from 27 countries and will screen in 250 cinemas.
Manhattan Short founding director Nicholas Mason says the festival is a great way to unite people from all corners of the globe.
“In times like these, cross-border events like Manhattan Short contribute toward greater tolerance and understanding, which are needed more than ever,” he said.
Among the top 10 finalists is Shift, a short film by James Croke, starring Aussie actor Lindsay Farris.
Farris plays Adam who, after a series of controversial experiments, finds his science funding cut. Determined to prove his genius and silence his critics, Adam plans an elaborate heist, but things don’t go quite as planned.
Other films include a selection of movies from around the world set in an array of locations from outer space to the desert; 97% from the Netherlands, On/Off from France, Crime-The Animated Series and The Bravest, The Boldest from USA, La Carnada from Mexico, On The Bridge and Mend and Make Do from England, The Fall from Norway and Rhino Full Throttle from Germany.
The short film festival will also give the audience the chance to vote for their favourite film and best actor, making film-goers instant film critics.
Audience members will be given a ballot at the start of the festival and all votes will be sent through to Manhattan Short HQ, with the winner announced on 6 October.
The Manhattan Short Film Festival will screen at The J on 27 September, from 7.30pm. Tickets are available now at $15 for an adult and $13 for a concession. Book at www.thej.com.au or phone 5329 6560.