This spring the 17th annual Aspen Shortsfest celebrates award-winning films and filmmakers from around the world April 2 – 6, 2008. Before an epic season for winter sports draws to a close, this premiere short film and video festival will present its esteemed International Competition and other special programs at Aspen’s historic Wheeler Opera House, Carbondale’s Crystal Theater and other locations. Showcasing new comedy, drama, animation and documentary, Aspen Shortsfest offers audiences unique access to the world’s best short movie making.
A barometer for new creativity, Aspen Shortsfest has introduced talented unknowns like Jason Reitman, Todd Field, Sarah Polley, and Fernando Meirelles who have subsequently gone on to make critically acclaimed features like Juno, Little Children, Away From Her, and The Constant Gardner. Additionally, Aspen Shortsfest’s Oscar-qualifying status enables the festival’s top winners to qualify for Academy Award consideration. Last year’s Oscar animation winner, The Danish Poet with Liv Ullman took its first Stateside bow – and prize – at Shortsfest 2006.
Describing Aspen Shortsfest, Program Director George Eldred notes: “We’re about discovery. From the shoestring budget to celebrity productions, we scout the planet to champion ‘anything’s possible.’ For audiences eager to experience the new and unknown, this festival offers an eclectic glimpse at the wildly creative landscape of short film. And Shortsfest’s intimate atmosphere is singular, encouraging audiences and filmmakers from all over the world to mingle in ways you just don’t find elsewhere.”
Tickets go on sale March 21st through the Wheeler Box Office (970.922.5770 or Aspenshowtickets.com.) The complete Shortsfest program will be available online March 15th at www.aspenfilm.org.
Aspen Shortsfest is sponsored in part by The Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine Kaye Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Colorado Council on the Arts, City of Aspen, and Town of Snowmass Village. For more information on Aspen Film and its year-round programs, please contact 970.925.6882 or visit www.aspenfilm.org.