Tropfest NY Announce Finalist for World’s Largest Short Film Festival on September 26
Posted by editor@vimooz.com on September 19, 2008 under Tropfest NY | 
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Tropfest NY today revealed the eight up-and-coming filmmakers whose 7-minute masterpieces will compete at the world’s largest short film festival on Friday, September 26th in New York City.
Organizers also announced that Oscar-nominated actress Julianne Moore has joined the jury that will select the night’s best films and performances. Other jurors include actor Billy Crudup, bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping Point), producers Christine Vachon (Far From Heaven) and Bruna Papandrea (MILK), and Australian actor and director Nash Edgerton.
The winning film will receive a $20,000 Best Filmmaker Award, sponsored by Citi, and a “First Look Feature Film Deal” from GreeneStreet Films, one of New York’s leading production and financing companies. Winners of Best Male Actor and Best Female Actor prizes will receive a $1,000 cash prize sponsored by Nicole Kidman.
The eight films were selected from more than 100 submissions from around the world. While the shorts span the spectrum from comedy to drama, they all include this year’s Tropfest Signature Item (TSI) - a “sunflower.” A full list of finalists is below.
Thousands of New Yorkers are expected to attend Tropfest NY, which will unspool at the World Financial Center Plaza, alongside the Hudson River. Unlike most film festivals, it boasts a rock concert-like atmosphere with audience members enjoying live DJs and a performance by Tamarama Band prior to the marathon of short films.
“This year’s finalists exemplify how far short film has come in terms of entertainment, production, and artistic value,” said Tropfest founder and director John Polson (Swimfan, Hide and Seek). “Each is a mini-masterpiece that will move, thrill, and surprise festival-goers.”
The directors and their short films chosen from four countries from more than 100 submissions are:
. “Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks”
Director: Ian Gamester - Lancashire, United Kingdom
Synopsis: Attacked by an Alsatian, 75 year old great grandmother Sadie Edwards must cope with her fear of dogs when her grandchildren and their dog Bella come to live with her.
. “It All Starts With The Shoes”
Director: Ben Pietor - New York, USA
Synopsis: A black comedy, the film is told from the point of view of a self-obsessed woman, who wakes one morning to find her thoughts weighing heavily on her.
. “Wildflower”
Director: Charles Divak - New York, USA
Synopsis: A recently dumped eccentric man receives a houseplant as a “cheer up” gift from his mother. It does not achieve its intended effect.
. “I’ll Follow The Sun”
Directors: Ben Thompson and Emily Marcuson London, United Kingdom
Synopsis: A recently widowed young woman hires imaginary friend for her lonely 3 year old daughter.
. “Mrs. Jones”
Director: Jonathan Emmerling - Brooklyn, New York
Synopsis: Trying to enjoy an afternoon of crocheting, Mrs. Jones is constantly interrupted by figments of her own imagination.
. “Sunnyside Down”
Director: Kathleen Johnsen -Bergen, Norway
Synopsis: A young couple struggles with the decision to expand their family while hosting an unforgettable dinner.
. “Gentle Persuasion”
Director: Burleigh Smith - Perth, Western Australia
Synopsis: “The trouble all started when I decided to practice psychology without any qualifications. Or ethics.”
. “Mankind Is No Island”
Director: Jason Van Genderson - NSW, Australia
Synopsis: Using found signage on the streets of NY and Sydney and shot entirely on a cell phone, the film is a touching story from the very heart of two cities.
Tropfest originated at the well-known Tropicana Café in Sydney in 1993. Over the past fifteen years, it has evolved into the “Olympics of short film” and into an Australian cultural phenomenon with the festival screening live via satellite to over 150,000 people in eight cities across the continent.
Previously presented as Tropfest@Tribeca in association with the Tribeca Film Festival, Tropfest NY 2008 marks the first time the free public outdoor festival will be presented independently by Tropfest and Polson.
For more information about Tropfest NY, go to www.tropfest.com/NY.