Image courtesy of Seamus Murray/Flickr

From 19-27 September, the 12th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival (MSFF) will unite global audiences with its “One World, One Week, One Festival” vision. To cut a long story short, 10 films will be screened 532 times in 173 cities across 5 continents. And if you think that’s impressive, you’ll be blown away by the fact that you get to judge which film rocks your socks.

This year, the MSFF received 428 short film entries from 36 countries, testament to the strength of its global mission. The 10 shortlisted films are from Spain, Mozambique, Australia, Israel, Sweden, France, Italy,  the UK and USA.

Not only is the MSFF spreading its wings to Asia and the Middle East, but there are plans to adventure into Africa in 2010 and Antarctica in 2011. The long and short of it all is that there’s a good chance the MSFF is coming to a cinema near you on its quest for global domination.

“The Manhattan Short is in cinemas and places where people can gather to mix and experience these films with their friends, family and people in their community,” said MSFF founder Nicholas Mason.

Enjoy great movies with good company and a chance to vote for your favourite film — what’s not to like?

“Personally, I feel it is important for people to stop what they’re doing, take a break from whatever rat race they’re in, and experience the joy of the creative spirit…If we cannot all come together to judge a handful of films during one week, then what hope is there?” said Mason.

For more information, visit the MSFF