HollyShorts Film Festival (HSFF) kicks off August 12

By Alicia MonsalveAugust 11, 2011Cine y TV News

7th annual Holly short film festival kicks off in HollywoodThe 7th Annual HSFF will take place August 11-18th in Hollywood. HollyShorts Film Festival (HSFF) is an annual film festival showcasing the best and brightest short films from around the globe.

“In our seventh year, HollyShorts has grown to become one of the top independent fest’s in the country and the biggest short film festival in Los Angeles with over 300 short form projects being showcased, a one of a kind star-studded opening night premiere at Arclight Hollywood, a week-long celebration of the top shorts from around the world, multiple industry panels, networking events, and major meet and greet opportunities,” said Daniel Sol and Theo Dumont, co-founders and co-directors of the HollyShorts Film Festival. “Along with our festival coordinator Nicole Castro, we look forward to once again bringing great shorts to Hollywood. HollyShorts is the starting block for many of the top next generation filmmakers and we can’t wait to unite everyone.”

This year’s festival programs will include such genres as: Animation, Family, Horror, Drama, Thriller, Romance, Action, Experimental, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Documentary, Web Series, Commercials and Music Videos. The core of the panels will take place at the Mondrian Hotel and will be live streamed on www.hollyshorts.com (courtesy of Dyal Productions).

HollyShorts will also showcase two Oscar® winning short films Luke Matheny’s God of Love (Best Short Film, Live Action winner) and Andrew Ruhemann and Shaun Tan’s The Lost Thing (Best Animation winner) .

A world class awards conpetition

This year HollyShorts received a record 1,000 submissions with filmmakers from 36 countries submitting. The festival is showcasing a record number of films with an international array of countries represented in competition including: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, UK and the US.

This year’s in competition short films includes top talent and recognizable stars such as: Jason Ritter, Bobby Canavale (The Other Guys), Alicia Witt (Friday Night Lights), Anthony Michael Hall (The Dark Knight), Dante Basco (First Glance), Beau Bridges (Max Payne) Brian Geraghty (The Hurt Locker), Carla Gugino (Watchmen), David Morse (The Green Mile), Devon Gummersall (Independence Day), Ernie Hudson (Ghost Busters), Gil Bellows (Unthinkable), Hector Elizondo (Monk), Jackie Harris (Yes Man), Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine), Joel Edgerton (Warrior), Rider Strong (Boy Meets World), David Dastmalchian (Sushi Girl), Jon Huertas (Castle), Robin Wright Penn (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Tom Arnold (Roseanne), Paul Ben Victor, Tom Hardy (Dark Knight Rises), Victor Rasuk (How To Make it America).

HollyShorts will showcase 300 short form projects including short films, music videos, web series, and commercials. HollyShorts sponsor Company 3 is supplying a total of $30,000 in post production and finishing services for the winners in the Best Short Film ($10K), Best Director ($10K), Best Commercial ($5K) and Best Music Video ($5K) categories respectfully. The winners will be announced during the HollyShorts awards on August 18.

A stunning account of the Haitian election

Grammy Award-winning artist and Producer Pras Michel from The Fugees will world premiere exclusive footage from his new documentary film “Sweet Mickey for President,” during the opening night of the HollyShorts Film Festival.

The film, which is a stunning account of the Haitian election following the earthquake that ravaged the island nation features appearances and interviews from Sean Penn, Ben Stiller, Danny Glover, Wyclef Jean, Nigel Barker among others.

“Sweet Mickey for President” was produced by Pras Michel, and directed by Ben Patterson. Michel and Patterson will be on hand to showcase the clip and participate in a special Q&A with attendees.

Advanced tickets and all access passes are now available on www.hollyshorts.com and opening night and fest all-access passes available at: http://hollyshorts2011.eventbrite.com