Manhattan Short Film Festival (H-Bomb)

I just got home from the 9th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival, which was presented by the Virginia Film Society at Vinegar Hill Theater. "The most creative short films in the world, judged by the cinema-going public throughout the world." Out of 487 entries from 39 countries, there were 12 finalists. Those 12 potent stories are going to be churning away in my head for a good while.

My favorites were Last Night from Ireland about a couple's broken marriage and the cruelties they inflict upon each other, Cigarette Box from Poland about how easily we can betray another person without comprehending what we're doing and how that inadvertent or irresponsible act can shape whom we become, Without Seeing from Spain, about the transformative power of service dogs and the love they bring into our lives, and Mowing The Lawn from the United Kingdom about fear, anxiety, reaching your goal and then realizing you had what you wanted all along. Well, maybe that's not what they were about to anyone but me.

There were several others that I really liked and only a few that didn't do anything for me. All in all, it was a strong, unsettling festival that's got me thinking about relationships, regrets, courage, and cowardice. You know, regular Tuesday night stuff. Geez.