The Dam Short Film Festival facts for kids

The Dam Short Film Festival is an exciting event that happens every year in Boulder City, Nevada. It usually takes place in early February. Lee Lanier and Anita Lanier are the people who first started this festival. A non-profit group called the Dam Short Film Society organizes the event. Important groups like the Nevada Film Office and Cirque du Soleil have helped support the festival in the past. The festival also gets money from the National Endowment for the Arts through the Nevada Arts Council.

What is the Dam Short Film Festival?

The Dam Short Film Festival began in 2005. It only shows short films that are between 1 and 40 minutes long. Each year, the festival usually screens about 100 to 140 short films. Many of these films are made by students or new filmmakers. However, the competition is tough, so many films also feature professional actors and crew.

Famous People in Short Films

Some well-known actors have appeared in films shown at the festival. These include Oscar-winner Louis Gossett Jr. in a film called "Window." You might also recognize Tom Hanks, William Shatner, and Michael York from "Why Shakespeare?". Even the voice of the late Béla Lugosi was used in an animation based on "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe. Other actors like Francesco Quinn in "The Gnostic" and Robert Wagner with Lori Singer in "Little Victim" have also been featured.

How Are Films Organized?

The short films are grouped into different themes. This makes it easy for viewers to find films they like. Some of these themes include international drama, crime stories, comedy-drama (dramedy), science-fiction, and horror. There are also sections for comedy, experimental films (avant-garde), and animation.

Special Events at the Festival

Besides showing films, the festival also has special events. These include showcases that focus on a specific filmmaker. For example, in 2009, they highlighted the work of documentary filmmaker Jay Rosenblatt. In 2008, they featured animator Jim Blashfield. The festival also hosts parties, get-togethers, and discussions with filmmakers. You can even ask filmmakers questions during special Q&A sessions.

Where Does the Festival Take Place?

In 2008, the Dam Short Film Festival moved to the historic Boulder Theatre. This theater has 400 seats and was built in 1931. Today, it is owned by Desi Arnaz Jr. and his wife Amy. The festival celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2014.

Who Runs the Festival Now?

Currently, 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 that helps run everything. This board usually has between 4 and 6 members.

More Information

• Cling, Carol. "Dam Short Film Festival Grows in Its Second Year", Las Vegas Review-Journal, February 9, 2006.
• Peterson, Kristen. "Take Five: Dam Short Film Festival", Las Vegas Sun, February 8, 2007.
• Brown, Joe. "Dam Short Filmfest announces lineup", Las Vegas Sun, January 21, 2008.
• Patterson, Carol. "Dam Short Film Festival 2008", Vegas Community Online, February, 2008.