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Between Thursday and Saturday, the DC Shorts film festival screened more than 100 short films organized into 17 programs at area theaters. The festival continues through Sunday, Sept. 21, but winning films in both audience-choice and juried categories have already been named.
Among the winners were several shorts that impressed Washington City Paper reviewers. He’s a Fighter, described by Tricia Olszewski as “lyrical, inspirational, and touching,” won the award for Outstanding Local Film. Another local documentary, This Is Me—-which chronicles the life of a D.C. woman battling HIV and cancer who turns to medical marijuana when she tires of her piles of medication—-received a special jury mention for importance in storytelling.
City Paper Arts Editor Christina Cauterucci recommended The Silly Bastard at the End of the Bed, which won the jury’s prize for Outstanding Documentary Story: “See this shorts showcase if only to watch [ex-Air Force public information officer Ernest] Carlton react to an audio clip of JFK badmouthing him with the phrase that gave the film its title.” Lialou, Karolis Spinkis‘ film that won for Outstanding First-Time Director, “achieves admirable balance in its warm tale,” according to Olszewski. “The dialogue is dry and witty, the settings theatrical.”
The original 90-minute programs run throughout the week, and special showcases featuring the awarded flicks will take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for those viewers who only want to see the best of the best. See the full list of winning films after the jump. Visit the DC Shorts website for ticket and scheduling information.
Jury Awards:
Outstanding Live Action Short: Cadet
Outstanding Animated Short: Yearbook
Outstanding Documentary Shory: The Silly Bastard at the End of the Bed
Outstanding Local Film: He’s a Fighter
Outstanding First-Time Director: Lialou
Festival Director’s Choice: The Chaperone
Filmmaker’s Favorite: What Cheer?
Special Jury Honors:
Special Jury Mention for Excellence in Storytelling: They are the Last, My Milk Cup Cow, This is Me
Audience Award Winners:
This Is Me photo courtesy of Jasper Colt