Aspen Film Announces Aspen Shortsfest 2011 Program

Aspen Film announced today the finalists invited to screen at Aspen Shortsfest 2011, April 5-10, at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen and the Crystal Theater in Carbondale. More than 2,500 submissions from around the world were considered, and 83 short films, representing two dozen countries and exploring many more, were ultimately selected for this year's International Competition. From the recognizable (Colin Firth, Julia Stiles, Lou Reed) to brand-new talent, the 2011 edition showcases a vibrant array of comedy, drama, animation, and documentary films.

Recently named by indieWIRE as one of the world's top-50 leading film festivals, Aspen Shortsfest is widely recognized as a premier North American showcase for short film and video. The centerpiece, the juried International Competition, offers an eclectic slate of films running 1 to 40 minutes. Along with filmmaker guests from around the globe, a jury of esteemed film professionals will attend and determine this year's award-winners and cash prizes.

The festival celebrates the work and creators of a visual medium that is largely unavailable to general audiences. This year's line-up includes many premieres, critically acclaimed films, and favorites from the international festival circuit.

"More than just sharing stories, the films in this year's International Competition transport us into worlds," says Aspen Film Program Director George Eldred. "Sometimes these worlds are identifiable places on the globe; often they are in imaginative alternate universes. Each program's ticket is a passport to a whirlwind tour of the fertile and unpredictable creativity of today's new filmmakers."

Tickets are now on sale and are $13 per program ($7 for the all-animation matinee on Saturday, April 9). They are available at the Wheeler Opera House box office in Aspen and American National Bank in Carbondale, and through aspenshowtix.com. The full program guide is online at aspenfilm.org, and the Official Program Guide is available in The Aspen Times March 11 and March 25, and in the Aspen Times Weekly April 3, as well as at the Aspen Film office.

THE SHORTSFEST 2011 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION LINE-UP  click here 

Aspen Shortsfest 2011 is presented by Saab and is also sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts; Colorado Creative Industries; Colorado Office of Film, Television, and Media; the City of Aspen; The Aspen Times; American National Bank; Hotel Jerome; Sky Hotel; and Aspen Public Radio, with special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

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About Aspen Film.  Established in 1979, Aspen Film is one of Colorado's most active film arts organizations, presenting dynamic programs and featured guest artists throughout the year. Internationally recognized, Aspen Film organizes a major film event in every season, along with an extensive education program:  Aspen Filmfest, Academy Screenings, Aspen Shortsfest, and Film Educates. With a mission to enlighten, enrich, educate, and entertain through film, Aspen Film stimulates thought, encourages dialogue, and broadens understanding of our world and ourselves through the diverse spectrum of ideas presented by filmmakers worldwide. To learn more, visit http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=oj6qe6bab&et=1104828998138&s=1551&e=001dP5f2TXmBGe_p6ogkJe-08dew81qj5C4aUShFfYbcsyODF4Ylvpz_QYEHXrcHDcScYpsywNigbllPzS6OgmW-WtQvtm3tQXJJVzj27CGOPnevf7Dq0m9xQ==.