Aspen Shortsfest April 5-10, 2022

Movies and Mountains – Aspen Film

The annual ASPEN SHORTSFEST gives us first crack at Oscar®-Qualifying Films from famous filmmakers, big talents and bright, young things alike

Who likes short-shorts? Aspen Shortsfest is about to dish up 77 short, snappy, provocative and entertaining films — a feast for the eyes, the ears and the brain, as well as a damn good night out.

The 31st Aspen Shortsfest runs April 5-10, 2022 in the shadow of America’s favorite mountains at historic Wheeler Opera House and Crystal Theatre. This year’s slick and entertaining lineup of Oscar®-qualifying films covers the fields of animation, documentary, and live-action narrative short film.

One of only four Oscar®-qualifying festivals in the US dedicated to short films, Aspen Shortsfest is recognized as a premier showcase of world cinema’s most remarkable emerging and established talents. This year’s 77 films include nine world premieres, two international premieres, five North American premieres, and 12 US premieres by directors representing 28 countries. “Short films don’t waste your time!” notes Programming Director Jason Anderson. “Whether they’re funny, moving, thrilling, provocative, or all at once, they don’t waste a beat when it comes to telling stories, sharing experiences, or introducing us to the filmmaking talent that will define cinema’s future.”

The festival is an industry-recognized destination for discovering breakthrough talent — Reinaldo Marcus Green (another of this year’s Oscar® nominees for King Richard), Damien Chazelle (La La Land), Jason Reitman (Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Up in the Air), and the late Jean-Marc Vallée (Dallas Buyers Club) are among glittering alumni whose short films first screened at Aspen Shortsfest before they became household names.

What to watch for

This year’s Oscar®-qualifying competition includes sure-fire gems such as Skin & Bone, directed by Eli Powers and starring and co-produced by Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!, Mank, Things Heard & Seen); the US premiere of You and Me Before and After, starring Yael Stone (Orange Is the New Black); A Brief History of Us, narrated by Molly Ringwald (Sixteen Candles, Riverdale) and directed by celebrated Israeli author and filmmaker Etgar Keret; Daddy’s Girl, starring Peter Friedman (Succession); Don Vs. Lightning, starring Peter Mullan (The Underground Railroad, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power).

And don’t miss

YOUNG EMERGING VOICES IN FILM: A SHORTSFEST SPECIAL SHOWCASE. This new endeavor launches two films by local youth filmmaking teams that address experiences and issues important to a new generation. In FACES OF THE FUTURE a teenage bully sees his future self when his actions are confronted head-on. Micah Sanders Silva and Mortiz Johnson from Aspen High School created a short film on how bullying originates and how to make one’s own luck. In 5 POINT VOICES YOUTH FILM PROJECT, 10 first-time Bridges High School filmmakers collaborate on a nine-minute film during a time of social isolation. They worked alongside professional teaching artists to experience the transformative process of filmmaking.

TICKETS $20 non-members; $15 members. Sunday’s Family Program $15 non-members, $12 members; FREE kids 12 + under. www.aspenfilm.org

LINEUP see SHORTSFEST 2022 Film Details.

“Short film is an easily digestible nugget of cinema that packs a punch, with the ability to take viewers through a gamut of emotions, in 40 minutes or less. -Susan Wrubel | Executive + Artistic Director | Aspen Film