CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival (WSFF), presented by TELUS, North America’s largest short film festival, proudly returns for its 17th annual edition from May 31st to June 5th 2011. Showcasing the best short films from home and around the world, the WSFF will present an unparalleled line-up of contemporary short films in 33 programs specially selected from a record-breaking 4,200 submissions.
Presenting festival-goers with a wide-ranging collection of 275 shorts from 36 countries, the WSFF offers something for everyone. From a diverse array of live action, documentary, animation and experimental films, each 90-minute program screens 5 to 20 films, allowing viewers a rare opportunity to see some of the finest short films on a large screen format.
“This year the WSFF has really come into its own, “ says Festival Director Eileen Arandiga.“Short films have never been more popular. The record number of submissions received is clearly a testament to the growing popularity and importance of short film. This is a very exciting time for shorts, and we have never seen so many recognizable faces both in front of and behind the camera. We are also pleased to bring programming to places that might not traditionally be
viewed as a screening venue – for example the CN Tower and our Shorts Bus, a mobile theatre that allows Torontonians and visitors to our city to experience short films in a unique way.”
This year’s festival features a strong lineup of auteurs and stars. Directors with shorts appearing include: Spike Jonze (BEING JOHN MALKOVICH), Michel Gondry (ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND), Neil LaBute (IN THE COMPANY OF MEN), Taika Waititi (TWO CARS, ONE NIGHT), Sima Urale (COFFEE & ALLAH), Jonathan Caouette (TARNATION) and Harmony Korine (TRASH HUMPERS), as well as the directorial debut of Rachel Weisz. Starring in shorts are: Colin Firth, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hardy, Chloë Sevigny, Scott Thompson, Jeremy Irons, Max von Sydow, Steve Coogan, Joseph Fiennes, Ian McKellan, John Slattery, Gerard Depardieu, Rosemary DeWitt, Selma Blair, Jeremy Davies, Julia Stiles, Debra Winger and Keira Knightley.
Kicking off this year’s festival, WSFF is throwing a Square Party on May 29th at Yonge Dundas Square – a public launch to the 6-day event, featuring video mash-ups and live bands beginning at 8 p.m. An unmissable giant cube will display live visuals, created by image wizards Justin Broadbent and Alex Kurina, with musical entertainment provided by DJ Tlo, The Wooden Sky and Kids & Explosions. Also new this year, the WSFF will feature a day of TOWERING SHORTS! programming at the CN Tower – and admission gets you to the top of the tower. In addition to the screenings, an increasing number of international buyers, delegates and industry professionals will attend the WSFF to participate in a full slate of conference and market events.
Festival goers can plan their festival experience in advance with the WSFF app collaboration with Shortz!, which can be downloaded from the App Store and Android Market. Get the low-down and latest updates on films and events. Watch film trailers, listen to filmmaker podcasts and much more. Please refer to www.shorterisbetter.com or the 2011 WSFF Program Book for film and screening details.
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