Hollywood's Brief Film Extravaganza: The Short Shorts Film Festival
The 2019 Short Shorts Film Festival in Hollywood returned to the vibrant city of Los Angeles, taking place from August 15 to August 17, 2019, at the Assistance League Theatre in Hollywood [1]. This esteemed event, co-presented by the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, marked its 17th edition in Hollywood, having been first held in the city in 2002.
The festival, founded in 1999 by actor Tetsuya Bessho, showcased a diverse range of short films from Japan and around the world. Over the past 20 years, the festival has attracted an impressive 400,000 participants, underscoring its popularity and enduring appeal.
The festival featured more than just screenings. It also included live discussions, presentations by industry leaders, and appearances by special guests. The historical TCL Chinese 6 Theatres played host to many of these events, adding an extra layer of glamour and prestige to the proceedings.
One of the highlights of the festival was the Master Class with Naomi Kawase, titled "The Possibilities of Film." Scheduled for January 17, 20XX (implied from the event date given), this Master Class was not part of the one-day Hollywood event but was part of the larger Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia. The event details for the Master Class can be checked here.
The short film format is rapidly evolving and expanding, particularly in Asia, and the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia has been at the forefront of this movement. The festival has received over 10,000 short film submissions from over 130 countries annually, showcasing the global interest and appreciation for this unique and dynamic form of storytelling.
Since 2004, the festival has been accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences®, further solidifying its position as a significant player in the global film industry. The 2019 edition of the Short Shorts Film Festival in Hollywood was a testament to its commitment to promoting Japanese and international short films, and to fostering a vibrant and inclusive film community.
[1] For more information about the Assistance League Theatre, please visit: Assistance League Theatre
Attendees of the 2019 Short Shorts Film Festival in Hollywood could witness a variety of events beyond film screenings, such as live discussions, presentations by industry professionals, and appearances by special guests. The historical TCL Chinese 6 Theatres was a venue for some of these events, contributing to the glamour and prestige of the proceedings. Additionally, the evolving landscape of short film format, particularly in Asia, is being spearheaded by the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, which has been receiving thousands of submissions from around the world each year.
