Short Films, International Scope: Aspen Shortsfest Kicks Off

Aspen Film is one of the world’s preeminent festivals for short films, and it returns for its 22nd year on Tuesday. Showing 80-plus films from more than 30 countries, Shortsfest is an international stage for emerging and acclaimed filmmakers, showcasing films that range from a couple of minutes in length to the better part of an hour.

Covering everything from documentary, animation, comedy, and drama, the filmmakers–many of which will be in Aspen for Q&A following their screenings–bring love, loss, war, the environment, comedy, fantasy, science and family to the big screen at the Wheeler Opera House, and to the Crystal Theatre in Carbondale. The five-day festival runs through Sunday.

“For some filmmakers, the short provides an invaluable career step. For others, it offers a refreshing detour from the rigors of feature or commercial filmmaking,” writes Laura Thielen, Aspen Film’s artistic director. “For all, it is a creative laboratory where novel ideas find unique expression.”

Shortsfest also serves as an Oscar-qualifying international competition. For a complete schedule and film descriptions, visit Aspen Film.  To purchase tickets, visit Aspen Showtix.