Short Films and Their Festivals

Abstract

THE LAUNCHING of the Toronto Worldwide Short Film Festival in May brought about the realization that there are a respectable number of showcases for Canadian short films, and some completely devoted to the national product. Most of these festivals are juried with filmmakers competing for awards of cash or services. The Montréal International Short Film Festival was into its third year in April; The Toronto International Film Festival celebrated the 12th anniversary of its Perspective Canada program in September, while in Saskatchewan, the Yorkton Short Film and Video Festival was 31 years old in May and still kicking up its heels. Many more festivals show short films of a more specialized nature. The Ottawa International Animation Festival is staged every two years in Ottawa and our animators stand out there -- taking part in what must surely be one of our national sports categories! Hot Docs is organized at...