The Dam Short Film Festival facts for kids

The Dam Short Film Festival is a fun event that happens every year in Boulder City, Nevada. It usually takes place in early February. The festival was started by Lee Lanier and Anita Lanier. A group called the Dam Short Film Society organizes the festival. They are a non-profit organization. Many groups have helped support the festival. These include places like The Art Institutes and Cirque du Soleil. The Society also gets money each year from the National Endowment for the Arts. This helps them put on the festival.

About the Dam Short Film Festival

The Dam Short Film Festival began in 2005. It only shows short films, which are movies that last between 1 and 40 minutes. Each year, about 100 to 140 short films are shown. Many films come from new filmmakers and students. However, the festival is very popular, so many films also feature professional actors.

Famous Faces in Short Films

Some famous people have appeared in films shown at the festival. These include Oscar-winner Louis Gossett Jr. in a film called "Window." Oscar-winner Tom Hanks also appeared in "Why Shakespeare?" Other well-known actors like William Shatner and Michael York were in that film too. Even the voice of the late Bela Lugosi was used in an animation. This animation was based on the classic story "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe. Francesco Quinn was in "The Gnostic" and Robert Wagner and Lori Singer were in "Little Victim".

Film Categories and Special Events

The short films are grouped into different themes. These themes can be international drama, crime drama, or comedy. There are also science-fiction, horror, and animation films. The festival also has special showings and looks back at past works. For example, in 2009, they showed films by documentary maker Jay Rosenblatt. In 2008, they featured animator Jim Blashfield. The festival also hosts parties and meetings. Filmmakers can talk about their work and answer questions from the audience.

Festival Location and Leadership

In 2008, the festival moved to the historic Boulder Theatre. This theater has 400 seats and was built in 1931. It is currently owned by Desi Arnaz Jr. and his wife Amy. The festival celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2014. As of 2025, Lee Lanier is the executive director of the Dam Short Film Society. John LaBonney is the festival director. The Society has a board of directors with 4 to 6 members who help run everything.