Dal Cinema students will be writing about the films they’ve seen at the AIFF, so keep an eye on this blog from September 13 – 20.
The Atlantic International Film Festival has always been a great supporter of short films from the Atlantic provinces, and this year will be no exception.
Short films can act as training ground and calling cards for filmmakers developing careers, but they’re important in their own right. They tell stories that may not find funding at the feature film level, and they are manageable windows onto new worlds for audiences with busy schedules. But they can get lost in the noise of the Internet – if they’re available there at all – so the AIFF’s curating and showcasing of these gems is really invaluable. And seeing them on the big screen is, of course, a treat.
This year, the AIFF has five programs of Atlantic Shorts, each playing twice. From animation and experimental film to short documentary, drama, and comedy, these are varied programs with something for everyone. As an animation nerd, I’m especially excited about Program Two, which features creative, animated reflections on the Halifax Explosion by Josh Owen and Becka Barker, and a film by Sarah Gignac, winner of the 2018 Helen Hill Animation Award. But there’s a rich variety here, and it’s well worth browsing them all at http://www.finfestival.ca/09f56-shorts-program-index. Atlantic Canada is a surprising, diverse, and sometimes pretty bonkers place!
Times:
Atlantic Shorts Program 1: Friday Sept 14 at 9:10 and Encore Sunday Sept 16 at 9:10
Atlantic Shorts Program 2: Saturday Sept 15 at 1:00 and Encore Monday Sept 17 at 9:10
Atlantic Shorts Program 3: Saturday Sept 15 at 3:30 and Encore Tuesday Sept 18 at 9:10
Atlantic Shorts Program 4: Sunday Sept 16 at 12:40 and Encore Wednesday Sept 19 at 9:10
Atlantic Shorts Program 5: Sunday Sept 16 at 3:30 and Encore Thursday Sept 20 at 9:10
– Shannon Brownlee