Sedona News – Sedona film lovers will join film enthusiasts from around the world to watch and judge the work of the next generation of filmmakers at the 27th annual Manhattan Short Film Festival, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival and running Sept. 27-Oct. 3 at the Alice Gill Sheldon Theatre.

Manhattan Shorts is the only event of its kind. The 10 finalists are screened simultaneously around the world over the course of a week, with the Best Picture and Best Actor awards determined by audience votes in each participating venue. Selection by Manhattan Shorts automatically makes each short film eligible for an Oscar.

The 10 finalists in the Manhattan Shorts category come from eight countries: the UK, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Italy, France, Australia, Croatia and Ireland, with two films also selected from the US.

The Manhattan Short Films finalists are: “The Talent” (UK), “I'm Not a Robot” (Netherlands), “Mother” (Ukraine), “Dovecote” (Italy), “Pathological” (USA), “Alarms” (France), “Favourites” (Australia), “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent” (Croatia), “Room Taken” (Ireland) and “Jane Austen's Period Drama” (USA).

Here's a synopsis of the movie:

talent: When an unsung assistant on the set of a luxury car commercial gets his chance to become the star of the show, this is an intense exploration of masculinity, coming of age and desire.

I am not a robot: A woman repeatedly fails computer security tests and suddenly her humanity is called into question.

mother: When the war in Ukraine begins, Katya decides to leave her hometown and take her mother with her, but she is working at a nail salon.

Pigeon coop: A small boat sails through the canals of Venice, Italy, and docks at a women's prison, where prisoners are trying to regain their freedom.

Pathological: Pathological liars wake up one day to discover that their lies have become the truth.

alarm: Pierre takes it upon himself to diligently oversee the completion of the chaotic construction site, ensuring that progress does not come at the expense of safety.

favorite: When a family camping trip goes horribly wrong, two parents are forced to make difficult choices.

The man who couldn't be silent: Bosnia, 1993. Paramilitary forces stop a train in an ethnic cleansing operation. Of the 500 passengers, only one is brave enough to stand up to them. Based on a true story, this film won the Palme d'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

Reserved rooms: A homeless man moves into the home of a blind woman who is unaware of his existence, and a strange bond develops.

Jane Austen's period dramas: England, 1813. In the midst of a long-awaited marriage proposal, Miss Estrogenia Talbot begins her period. Her suitor, Mr. Dickely, mistakes the bleeding for an injury, and it soon becomes clear that her expensive education has been for naught.

You be the judge!

Of the 10 short films shortly to be selected, it's up to a global audience to decide which one is the best. Upon entering the theater, moviegoers in the U.S. and around the world will be handed a ballot to vote for Best Picture and Best Actor, instantly turning them into film critics. Manhattan Shorts is the ultimate audience awards, celebrating the creative talent of both directors behind the camera and actors in front of it. Votes will be sent to Manhattan Shorts headquarters, and the winners will be announced on Monday, October 7th on ManhattanShorts.com.

The Manhattan Short Film Festival will run from September 27th to October 3rd at the Alice Gill Sheldon Theatre. Screening times are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 27th, 28th and 29th at 6:30pm, and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, September 30th, October 1st, 2nd and 3rd at 3:30pm.

Tickets are $12, or $9 for festival members. For tickets or more information, call 928-282-1177. The theater and festival office is at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A in West Sedona. For more information and to order tickets online, visit www.sedona.com/tickets. Sedona Film Festival .