ShortFest film descriptions, part one

OK, in the next few posts I'll go through the films that will be screened theatrically next Saturday, with some informal thoughts about them. Then I'll do the same for the films selected for the online festival (which will go up after the Loft screenings).

1) Anna & Manuel: A charming romantic comedy from Spain, where a lady buys a dog and names him "Man." HA! Great acting and sumptuous production value...

2) Pantomiming: a b&w comedy from Arizona that offers surprises, just when you think you know what is happening. No dialogue -- it takes good filmmakers to pull off a film like this!

3) Gold: Mike Rom's very short supernatural tale includes some of the best of the local Tucson indie film scene, both in front of and behind the camera. (Shown out of competition.)

4) Flat Tire: Shorts work best when a single incident reveals character, and this is a perfect example. From Arizona. Yes!

5) American Cowgirl: Ever see a woman who is about 150 years old ride horses and look like she could kick ass for another 150 years? Here she is! This doc has great western feel, and is all about people, not things. Hmmmm....detect a theme with these films? ;)

6) Shutter: a wonderfully sophisticated and moody b&w short (our longest of the ShortFest at 16 min.) Made up completely of still frames, with icy narration that creeps me out just thinking of it! This is a challenging film, one that has many rewards within it...

More film descriptions next time...we have 21 shorts in all screened April 15...