Watch(ed) Local: Manhattan Short Film Festival

The Owen County Public Library sponsored the 29th Annual Manhattan Short Film Fest. Bringing current film-making culture to Owen County for a sixth year. It played, in full, three times -- once at the library, and twice at the Tivoli. I attended both screenings at the Tivoli.

One of the fun attributes of this festival is that the audience is the judge. In years past, they have had celebrities judge the festival, including titan of independent film, Roger Corman. For the uninitiated, his productions were an incubation chamber for the greatest filmmakers of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, including but not limited to Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, James Cameron, and John Sayles. His influence is incalculable, and his participation piqued my interest.

The people have spoken, and the 2026 Gold Medal winner went to “Life Goes On” from the United Kingdom. A time-loop drama/comedy set in a hospice where a grumpy old man perfects his final day. Lead actor David Bradley (most will recognize him as the caretaker of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films) is genuinely hilarious. A great short but it wasn’t my personal vote.

I went with two friends. I will give them aliases: Fin and Flex. Flex agreed with my vote, which I find a very becoming trait in a friend. Fin, as always, went his own way -- very unbecoming. But I must say on a second viewing, I really locked into the ever trailblazing Fin’s take. Not good news for Flex. His stock dropped, and we are hopeful for a turnaround in the fourth quarter.

Flex’s and my vote for best short film hails from South Africa, Dian Weys’ “Vultures.” In a near dystopian future, tow truck drivers must fight tooth and nail for the most vulnerable clients. While trying to secure his job, he neglects the most in need. A truly powerful performance by Edwin van der Walt here.

Fin’s vote, and my second place, hails from Moldova: Vlad Gradescu’s “Hai Davai”. A young woman moving out of her small village is escorted to the bus by her grandmother. Along the way, superstition supersedes in the form of a black cat crossing the road. A touching comedy about the journey not the destination. Another stellar performance here by Paula Macovoz.

Lastly, I must make mention of Nash Edgerton’s “Candy Bar” hailing from Australia. The second to shortest film on the bill, coming in at six minutes. It is a simple set up and payoff to one of the hardest laughs I’ve had in theaters in years. I did consider it as Best Short Film, but ultimately it nestled nicely into third position.

The inherent rush of short film festivals is like Roger Corman once was -- an incubation chamber for future filmmakers, featuring fledgling artists that show promise in their film careers. I can’t be at a screening of “The Big Shave” (1967) and not know who Martin Scorsese is, or experience the subsequent thrill of witnessing his filmography blossom in real time. Mr. Scorsese needs me as a champion like the ocean needs another drop of water, but I did take my seat and cast my vote for the promising Dian Weys with his short “Vultures.”