KIZMET DINER, an 11-minute romantic love story directed by Mark Nunneley of England is the Gold Medal winner of the 16th annual Manhattan Short Film Festival. KIZMET DINER tells the tale of a singing waitress in a diner who finds the song that opens the heart of a disinterested customer. The Silver Medal went to PALE OF SETTLEMENT, directed by Jacob Sillman, an entry from the United States. Pale of Settlement chronicles the adventures of a 10-year-old boy trying to avoid conscription in the Russian army during the Crimean War.
The Bronze Medal went to I AM A GREAT BIG BALL OF SADNESS, another USA entry adapted from the stage play by Ken Urban and directed by Chris Tyler. The film pushes past the veneer presented by three guests at a cocktail party.
Reece Noi was voted Manhattan Short Best Actor for his portrayal of a young man coming to terms with the death of his mother in a terrorist bombing in the British short film FRIDAY.
We saw the Manhattan short film festival for the first time in Kirkland, Washington and thoroughly enjoyed it. All the winners are worthy and we applaud them all!