They key to enjoying DC Shorts is to get involved — watch film trailers, read film descriptions, explore our blog, interact with filmmakers — then check the schedule of 98 screenings with your calendar.
All 17 Showcases consist of 8-10 films that vary 1 minute and 26 minutes in length. The showcases are like a delicious tapas platter — a sampling of the top short films from around the world. You will see comedies, dramas, animation, documentaries, experimental films, thrillers and even musicals from filmmakers as close as the District and as far away as Australia. All showcases are approximately 90 minutes in length. All foreign language films are subtitled. The ticket price covers all of the films in a single showcase.
On opening weekend, all of the Showcases end with a moderated Question and Answer session. You are encouraged to ask filmmakers about their films, their inspiration, how they created them, and other aspects of their craft. Audience members who stay for the Q&A sessions are rewarded with a greater experience — and a special offer.
The Parties allow you to interact with over 120 visiting filmmakers and hundreds of fellow audience members. Nibble on scrumptious bites, enjoy custom cocktails, beer and wine, and dance to DJs and live bands. A separate ticket is needed to attend the parties.
On Friday, September 27, six writers will present their short scripts, performed by local actors, to an enthusiastic audience. After the presentation, audience members vote on their favorite script, and that writer wins $2,000 to shoot a film, which we will show at DC Shorts 2014. Last year’s winner, “Shenanigans,” is shown this year in Showcase 15.
DC Shorts concludes with multiple screenings of The Best of DC Shorts. In addition to jury prizes (Outstanding First-Time Director, Outstanding Local Film, etc.) we also screen the Audience Favorites as polled during the opening weekend. There are two different Best Of shows, each with a unique set of films — a separate ticket is needed for each show.
Throughout the week, there are also free events. The Family Showcase (70 minutes) screens films appropriate for children ages 8+. Parents are encouraged to download a special guide that explains the films, areas that might be of concern, and questions you can use to engage your children. During the week, we also offer Free Lunch Shows (40 minutes) at two theaters. These shows are designed for you to pick up lunch, watch a few films — and take a break from your workday.
And if you want to see more films in the comfort of your home, there is the DC Shorts Online Film Festival. Over 100 of our films are available to watch online through this web site. The ticket price for the Online Festival gives you access to all of these films through September 30.
We look forward to seeing you September 19–29 at one of our six locations throughout the metropolitan area.
