At the Academy Awards every year there two awards for short subject films (one for animation, and one for live action). Usually these films are by unknown or up-and-coming filmmakers. Many also seem to be from smaller film industries that support less feature length films (such as Eastern Europe or Latin America). Anyway they often seem to be more interesting than the full length nominees, but other than that, these films recieve little attention. I know they are shown in film festivals and film schools, but certainly not at the local multiplex or Blockbuster video. I never even see them at the college cinama or local “art house”.
Where does one get to watch short subject films in America (especially away from major cultural centers)? Are there any notable “compilations” of short films by the same director, or upon the same theme, that are sold or distibuted anywhere on DVD or VHS. And is there a cable channel that shows short films?
Film Festivals are where I would say they are primarily shown. It seems a lot of times they are ways to explore themes in short simple ways. Sometimes they’re just to have fun. I saw a full on Hollywood one with Beverly D’Angelo called “Jazz Night” and I can only imagine that it was done for the amusement of the makers and nothing more. I also know the Sundance Film Festival will even show them on their TV channel. Or maybe that was the Independant Film Channel. Either way you can find them on TV
Since Film Festivals are where they make most, if not all, of their money you will occasionally find them for free on the internet at sites like atomfilms.com and a few others.
Some groups sell them on their own. I’ve bought one from the the Dead Gentlemen at deadgentlemen.com but then there are also compilations from Amazon.com.
Finding a specific one can be tough but there are a lot of them out there. I’ve been looking off and on for “Pennyweight” for years. The only one that I have found that I looked for was “This Guy Is Falling” which is at atomfilms.com