Manhattan Short Film Festival Hits Lake Macquarie

Lake Macquarie is set to become a hub for movie buffs this Saturday, 5 October 2024, as the 27th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival makes its way to the Warners Bay Theatre. The event, which spans over 100 cities worldwide, gives local audiences the opportunity to help decide the winners of Best Film and Best Actor through their votes on the night.

With films sourced from across the globe, this year’s lineup includes an Australian entry, Favourites, featuring actors Sibylla Budd and Stephen Curry. The film tells the harrowing story of a family camping trip that spirals into chaos, leaving the parents with an agonising decision.

Competing alongside Australia are eight other nations, including the UK, USA, Netherlands, Ukraine, and Italy. Some films feature high-profile actors such as Zoe Saldana, Emma D’Arcy, and Leo Suter, adding to the prestige of the event. The Manhattan Short Film Festival serves as a qualifier for the Academy Awards, giving these films the potential to go beyond the indie circuit.

Selected from a pool of 872 submissions representing 74 countries, the finalists offer a diverse range of themes and storytelling styles.

The screening will begin at 3:30 pm, with a 20-minute intermission midway through. Tickets are available for $15, plus a booking fee, and can be purchased through Lake Macquarie’s arts website.

For more information and to book your tickets, visit arts.lakemac.com.au.