Brookfield Film Festival is in Newtown This Year: Here's the Lineup

The 2013 Brookfield Film Festival has announced the line-up of films to be shown at its “shorts”-themed program, “Shorts and to the Point,” April 5-7, 2013.   

The short film collection will be showcased in four screenings: Friday, April 5 at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 6 at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 7 at 3 p.m. The festival will be shown at a new location this year, the Alexandria Room of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St., Newtown, Ct.

The program will consist of a carefully selected arrangement of some of the most notable short films of the year, including both live-action and animated short productions from around the world.  All of the films have been nominated for, or received, awards at leading film festivals and competitions, such as the Academy Awards® and the Manhattan Short Film Festival, Sundance and the befilm Festival.

This year’s line-up includes:

Animated Films 

Paperman – 2012 - By John Kahrs, created by Walt Disney Animation Studios. The short blends traditional animation and computer animation. The short won the 2013 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 85th Academy Awards.

Abiogenesis – 2011 - By Richard Mans. In this breathtaking science fiction spectacle, a strange mechanical device lands on a desolate world and uses the planet to undergo a startling transformation, which has profound implications for an entire galaxy. Commended by the Academy Award panel and Winner of the Special Jury Prize at the Show Me Shorts Film Festival.

Dripped - 2011 - By Leo Verrier. Fascinated by art, Jack skims museums all day long. He steals paintings, which he hides at his home so he can eat them! Masterpieces are his food and when he eats then he is plunged into a state of ecstasy.  Nominated for an Academy Award and winner at the Cleveland International Film Festival, Nashville Film Festival and the Warsaw International Film Festival

Maggie Simpson’s The Longest Daycare – 2012 - Maggie Simpson spends the day in the Ayn Rand School for Tots.  Nominated for an Academy Award, 2013.

John and Karen - 2007 - By Matthew Walker. A festival favorite, this short film about John, a polar bear, going to see Karen, a penguin in order to apologize for things said the night before. Winner of the Special Prize at the Hiroshima International Animation Festival.

Live–action Films

Curfew – 2012 - By Shawn Christensen - At the lowest point of his life, Richie gets a call from his estranged sister, asking him to look after his nine-year old niece, Sophia, for a few hours.  Winner of the 2013 Oscar for Best Live-Action Short Film, Winner of the Best Short Narrative Award, Woodstock Film Festival.

The Piano Tuner - 2010, Olivier Treiner – Adrien, is a young pianist prodigy. He collapsed psychologically having failed in a renowned competition and henceforth works as a piano tuner. As remedy to this life, he invents a blind person's mask to penetrate into the intimacy of his customers, but he sees things he should not see. Winner of the Prix du Public et Prix du Jury jeune - Clermont-Ferrand Festival, and the befilm festival in New York.

Lost Paradise - 2009 - By Mihal Brezis and Oded Binnun. A present-day Adam and Eve story. Lost Paradise won 20 international awards, among them 'Best of Fest' at the St. Louis International Film Festival.

Heart New York – 2012 – Matthew Damato and Vincent Lin - A jaded bartender takes a lost tourist on an unforgettable adventure in the city that never sleeps. Awards include NBC Universal Short Cuts, MNET Short Notice, DisOrient Film Festival, Houston Worldfest

Interpretation – 2010 – Lin Oeding – A romantic couple’s brief encounter with a few philosophical thugs unfolds in an unusual way.  After this night, no one will be the same.  Everyone will learn something new.  Recipient of numerous awards including Hollywood Prestigious Film Festival and both the Chicago and Boston Short Film Festivals.

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This unrated program is intended for mature audiences. An adult must accompany those under 17.

Admission is a suggested donation of $15 and includes a complimentary glass of wine.  The festival attendees will enjoy live music, a wine-bar, and hors d’oeuvres.

Seating is limited, and reservations are suggested. Reservations can be made by email at ann.amorossi@gmail.com.

The Brookfield Arts Commission would like to thank the management at Edmond Town Hall, the municipal offices of Newtown, Ct, the Park and Rec Department of Brookfield, Ct., Dr. J.C. Barone of WCSU, Sharon Badal, Shorts Programmer for the TriBeCa Film Festival, Mike Plante and the Sundance Film Festival and Neal Block at Magnolia Pictures.

The Brookfield Film Festival has been created to cultivate appreciation for various aspects of filmmaking and film genres, as well as to provide screening opportunities for local audiences to view unique and entertaining films from around the world. For more information about the Brookfield Film Festival, please visit www.brookfieldartscommission.org.