News

Movie fans can become critics for a day

By Bill Moss, Published: September 27, 2015

Local film lovers for the first time here can be part of an international viewing and judging experience when Flat Rock Cinema presents the 18th annual Manhattan Short Film Festival on Sunday and Monday, Sept. 27-28.
More than 100,000 film lovers in 250 cities across six continents gather in cinemas, museums and universities to view and vote on the Finalists’ Films. This year, 678 entries were received from 52 countries from which 10 finalists were selected. Those 10 short films will be shown and audience members will do the judging. Showings are at 3 and 7 p.m. each day.
This is the first time Flat Rock Cinema has shown the festival.
“Nicholas Short, the founder of the festival, contacted me earlier this year and asked if we would participate and I jumped right in,” said Howard Molton, who owns the cinema with his wife, Barb. “I never thought we could ever be a part of this global festival — right here in our little town. It’s a pretty big deal for us.”
Each patron will be handed a ballot card that allows them to vote for the Best Short Film and Best Actor after the screenings. Votes will be sent to Manhattan Short’s headquarters and the winner will be announced at www.ManhattanShort.com on Monday, Oct. 5.