Get Ready for the 14th Annual McMinnville Short Film Festival
Get your popcorn ready! The magic of cinema is returning to our corner of the world for the 14th annual McMinnville Short Film Festival, running from February 27th to March 2nd. Prepare to be captivated by a diverse selection of short films from ambitious locals, talented Oregon filmmakers and their national and international counterparts. This isn’t just a festival; it’s an experience! And who knows, you might just be witnessing the birth of the next big filmmaking sensation!
Think about it: some of the most prominent names in Hollywood got their start crafting compelling short films. Just like the filmmakers showcasing their work at McMinnville, these now-famous directors honed their skills, experimented with storytelling, and launched their careers through the short film format. For instance, Christopher Nolan, the mastermind behind “Inception” and “Interstellar,” first gained recognition with his short film “Doodlebug.” Consider the Oscar-winning film “Whiplash”—did you know it started as a short film? Director Damien Chazelle used the short as a proof-of-concept to secure funding for the feature-length version, demonstrating the power of the short film format to launch major projects. The McMinnville Short Film Festival is a chance to witness that same spark of creativity and potential in the filmmakers of today.
Held primarily at the McMinnville Cinema (300 N.E. Norton Lane), this year’s festival promises a cinematic feast showcasing over 100 carefully curated short films, all 20 minutes or less. From laugh-out-loud comedies and edge-of-your-seat thrillers to thought-provoking documentaries and imaginative sci-fi adventures, there’s something for every film enthusiast. Dive into genre-specific screenings, including dedicated showcases for local filmmakers, Native American directors, and LGBTQ+ stories.
Interested in making your own film, maybe to be considered for next year’s fest? Get prepared by attending insightful panel discussions featuring industry experts. Learn the secrets of VFX, discover the ins and outs of distribution, and explore the path to “Navigating Success” in the film world.
Tickets are just $10 per screening, with day passes available for $40 and admission to the awards event for $25. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience the magic of short film in the heart of McMinnville. You might just be witnessing the next Christopher Nolan or Damien Chazelle take their first steps.
For the full schedule and more information, head over to mcminnvillefilmfest.org.
About the author: Dan Gibson (he/him) lives in McMinnville with his family.