Events Calendar

Filmgoers in Central Otago will unite with audiences around the world to view and judge the final 9 Manhattan Short films which screen simultaneously across the world during a one-week period. The Best Film and Best Actor awards are determined by ballots cast by the audiences in each participating venue.

Central Cinema is the only participating cinema in New Zealand.

The finalists come from nine countries; Australia, Finland, Iran, Russia, Israel, North Macedonia, USA, France, Palestine. These are the best short films from among 971 submissions from 54 countries received by MANHATTTAN SHORT for 2020, testimony to the enduring vibrancy and creativity of short films worldwide.

This year’s Final Nine selections use drama, comedy and animation to address an astonishing number of themes, ranging from identity to parenthood to the seemingly universal frustration caused by the Department of Motor Vehicles no matter the country. The directorial voices are both male and female from countries large and small, often inspired by personal and sometimes harrowing experience. This year’s Final Nine screening also is a rare instance when gripping dramas from Iran, Israel, and the State of Palestine are featured in the same program.

Due to COVID-19 MANHATTAN SHORT is extending the screening dates through the whole month of October rather than its usual seven-to-ten day period. None of the screenings will be shown “virtually” so as to support local cinemas in a time of crisis. “The Films I remember best are those I saw in a cinema. Streaming the ManhattanShort Film Festival was never an option. While the numbers are sure to be down, you have to stay true to what you do. MANHATTAN SHORT is a cinematic experience.” — Founding Director Nicholas Mason.

The winners will be announced at ManhattanShort.com on Sunday Nov 1.

Click HERE for more information and to get tickets.

Location

Central Cinema Inc

21 Centennial Avenue,