How to Rock DC Shorts
by Joe Flood
The DC Shorts Film Festival (September 8-16) will fill the Penn Quarter with local film aficionados. It’s a great opportunity to see more 145 short films from 23 nations.
I’ve volunteered with DC Shorts Film Festival for more than six years. I’ve helped to select what films are included in the festival. I’ve welcomed filmmakers to DC Shorts and handed out goodie bags. I’ve moderated post-screening discussions and mingled with directors at behind the scenes parties.
And I’m going to tell you how to get the most out of your DC Shorts experience.
Find films with the Film Sorter. It can all be a bit overwhelming, can’t it? Technology comes to the rescue with the Film Sorter, which allows you to find films based upon genres, countries or interests. Plus, watch video previews of many films.
Get your tickets early. Screenings will sell out, particularly the prime evening times. It’s best to get your tickets ahead of time using the easy online ticketing system.
Attend a party. This year, you can choose from three different and unique parties to attend. Whether it’s a Brazilian carnival, a wax museum spectacular or H Street hipsters, you’re bound to find something that you’ll enjoy.
Get a Date Bundle. For $50, you get two tickets to any film screening and 2 two passes to a party of your choice. Date not included ;)
Vote! Unlike some festivals, the audience picks the winners of DC Shorts. Following each screening, you’ll have a chance to vote for the films that you liked best.
Stay for the Q&A. Want to know what equipment a director used? Where they get their ideas? How much it cost to make their film? See the schedule for screenings marked “Q&A”.
Get your picture taken. Damn paparazzi! There will be a small army of photographers documenting what goes on at DC Shorts, from the parties to the screenings. Pictures are then posted to the DC Shorts Flickr account.
Take the kids. While the evening shows aren’t exactly child-appropriate there are free Saturday film programs for the kids. See the schedule for times.
Attend a seminar. The Angry Filmmaker, Kelley Baker, is pissed for a reason. He thinks that Los Angeles is a cesspool and that making a movie shouldn’t cost millions. See his seminar plus sessions on software, sound design and more.
Talk to filmmakers. This isn’t Hollywood. For many of the filmmakers accepted into the festival, this is their first film. They’re recent film school graduates or people who have been working for years on a cinematic labor of love. The opening night Celebrity Party is a great place to talk to filmmakers in a relaxed setting. Also look for Q&A sessions after screenings.
Volunteer! Can’t afford a ticket? Volunteer as an usher or photographer. Volunteers get tickets to one screening plus an invitation to a private post-event thank you party.
Use these tips to get the most out of your DC Shorts experience. It only comes around once a year – enjoy it!