After a great response to the call-out for expressions of interest, 12 short films have been selected to screen at this year’s Electric Shorts.

The event, taking place during Fringe, will showcase work by emerging and mid-career filmmakers from Australia and overseas, once again making Electric Shorts a truly diverse, cosmopolitan project.

The films cover a range of subject matter, style and genre; there will be experimental films, straight-up narrative, music, animation, movement and more, with all the films having been funded fully by the filmmakers.

Apart from Australian filmmakers taking part, audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy films by Colombian, Iranian and Russian filmmakers who will be presenting their take on those cultures and the world.

Jim Stamatakos, founder and director of Electric Shorts, himself an independent filmmaker, has been impressed once again by the quality of work submitted.

“The key influences that informed me when I first developed Electric Shorts in 2002 were all those independent filmmakers and artists who looked beyond obstacles to realise their vision,” he says.

“It’s inspiring to see that this spirit is still around – it’s part of all the films we’ll be screening.”

The theme for this year’s Fringe is ‘stepping into the light’.

According to Vicky Tsaconas, assistant co-coordinator of this year’s Electric Shorts, this is what cinema is all about “stepping into the light, and shadows”.
“The event,” she says, “will provide the audience with the opportunity to do just that.

“So, step out of your comfort zone, into the light and shadows, where you will be compelled, entertained, provoked, feel perhaps, think certainly.”

When: 7.30 pm, Wednesday 28 September
Where: Loop, Meyer Place, Melbourne, free entry.
For further details, head to electricshorts.com.au or call 0417 567 077