The largest interactive film festival will showcase ten films as part of its programme. Ukrainians are joining viewers worldwide for the seventeenth time and will participate in voting for the winners. Traditionally, the final selection includes diverse films from different corners of the world that have already made a mark at prestigious international film festivals such as Sundance, San Sebastián, Palm Springs, and Annecy.
Several comedies are included in the programme. "Voice Activated" (Australia) will tell a funny tale of a flower courier's adventure. "The Family Circus" (USA) portrays a family trying to hide a crime, inadvertently leading to relationship revelations in the presence of the police. "Career Day" (USA) showcases an old boy band's performance at a children's event turning into a viral social media video.
The programme also features drama films. "Yellow" (Afghanistan, UK) depicts a woman in a Taliban-controlled country who must cover her entire body for the first time in her life. "Sunless" (USA) transports viewers into a tiny submarine facing danger. "Snail" (Iran) presents a touching story of a boy who dreams of being on stage. "The Stupid Boy" (UK) is a film about the danger of having one's own opinion. "Soleil De Nuit" (Canada) narrates an unusual adventure of astronauts before landing on the Moon.
An animated film "The Record" (Switzerland) about a magical vinyl record that can read thoughts and play memories is also part of the finalist lineup.
The programme includes horror as well, with the film "Tuulikki" (Finland) touching on the theme of hyperopia.
The Manhattan Short Film Festival unites over 100,000 short film enthusiasts in more than 500 cities across six continents annually. All finalist works automatically qualify for consideration for an Oscar nomination.
Every viewer who participates in the screenings becomes part of the international jury, as they choose the best short film of the year. After watching in theaters, Ukrainian viewers can vote on the website of Arthouse Traffic, which organizes the festival in Ukraine. The winners will be announced in October 2023 on the website www.manhattanshort.com.
Screenings will begin in theaters across the country on September 28th. The films will be presented in Ukrainian dubbing.
