We are pleased to announce that our 6th annual Short Film Festival will open and close with short films by Don McKellar, acclaimed Canadian director/writer/actor. Most recently screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, the Monday October 3, 2005 showing at the Coolidge Corner Theatre will mark the shorts’ U.S. premiere, and will be shown out of competition.
Ten films have been selected to compete in this year’s festival. From experimental films, including one from a 14-year-old filmmaker and another shot in Iceland, to powerful narratives covering such topics as female genital mutilation and teen-aged girls coming of age, this year’s selections should appeal to a wide range of viewers.
As an added treat, DVDs of the Academy-award winning documentary BORN INTO BROTHELS will be given out as door prizes to audience members, courtesy of Lions Gate Home Entertainment. BORN INTO BROTHELS chronicles the transformative journey of a group of extraordinary children in Calcutta’s red light district. Ebert & Roeper give the film “two thumbs up,” and Newsweek calls it “a remarkable and moving story about the power of art to transform lives.” The DVD contains loads of extra features, including updates on each of the children. More information can be found about the DVD here.
Prior to and immediately after the screening, a silent auction fundraiser will be held for such items as passes to area film festivals, theatre tickets, and local business gift certificates. Tickets for the Chlotrudis Short Film Festival are $9/$6 for Chlotrudis and Coolidge members, and the short films begin at 7:30pm.