Spotlight on Business
2008 Dam Short Film Festival
by Lee Lanier

The Dam Short Film Festival is back, February 7th - 9th this time in the historic Boulder Theatre! Once again, we’ll screen over 100 short films. Short film categories include Drama, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Documentary, Animation, Student, and Nevada Filmmaker. The short films are grouped into 21 programs. We’re also bringing back the Filmmaker Reception, Film Market, and red carpet Awards Gala.

New for this year are special showcases screening the life work of famous filmmakers. On Thursday, February 7th at 7 p.m., “Revolutionary Eames” will share 9 short films created by Charles and Ray Eames. The Eameses are among the most important American designers of the 20th Century. Although they are best known for their groundbreaking contributions to architecture, furniture design (the Eames Chair), industrial design, and manufacturing, they have produced some of the most widely seen short films.

In addition, the festival will feature “The Amazing Universe of Jim Blashfield” on Saturday, February 9th at 2:30 p.m. Mr. Blashfield is a Grammy-winning animator who has produced, directed, and animated influential music videos and short films. He’s had the opportunity to work with Michael Jackson, the Talking Heads, Paul Simon, Weird Al Yankovic, and many other important artists. We will screen 15 of his videos and shorts.

Local filmmakers will also be highlighted. The “Nevada A: Tough Choices” will occur Thursday, February 7th at 3:30 p.m. and will screen 5 films from up-and-coming Las Vegas filmmakers. The “Best of AI0” Showcase will take place Friday, February 8th at 7 p.m. and will show off the student and faculty work from the Art Institute of Las Vegas. The “Nevada B: Strange Tales” will occur the same night at 8:30 p.m. and will screen 7 films by such local filmmakers as Thomas Barndt and Mike and Jerry Thompson.

Tickets to each film program or showcase will be $5 and may be purchased at the door during the event. 3-Day Passes are also available for $50 and include access to the Film Market. All screenings will occur at the Boulder Theatre at 1225 Arizona Street. Other events and venues, such as the Filmmaker Reception, Filmmaker/Press Lounge, and Film Market, will be held at the Boulder Dam Hotel at 1305 Arizona Street. For up-to-date information, please visit www.damshortfilm.org or call 702-293-4848.