The Strand Theater was packed Saturday night as it was one of the two locations in Mississippi to show the globally acclaimed Manhattan Film Festival. Since it’s founding, the festival has been dedicated to developing and discovering new ways to help filmmakers pursue a career. This spawned the festival as well as their widely popular Filmmaker Revenue Sharing Program that has earned thousands of dollars for independent filmmakers. 

This year, the festival was shown on every continent except Antarctica and in 120 art house cinemas across the US. They received nearly 600 film entries and narrowed the festival down to 10.

The film “97%” represented the Netherlands and was the first film shown. It was also one of the best. It centered around a man trying to track down a potential love interest on a crowded train using a smartphone app.

“Phones and apps can blind us from what is actually in front of us,” said director Ben Brand.

Next, split into three parts, was “Crime: The Animated Series.” It was one of two U.S. films shown. It showcased havoc crime from the viewpoint of the different people experiencing it. Aside from the interesting change in the graphic novel art style animation in each part, it didn’t bring nearly as much to the table as the others.

“On The Bridge” from England was about two men on London’s Waterloo Bridge debating the pro’s and con’s of jumping off. While this may seem depressing, the film was quite the opposite. The bond formed between the two characters was nice to watch and showcased how quickly one’s outlook on life can change.

Next, from Australia, was “Shift.” It was one of two science fiction films shown. A spurned genius invents a device that allows him to teleport several feet at any time. He then uses this device to rob a bank. While predictable, it still gave a nice twist at the end.

The Norwegian film “The Fall” was the fifth short film shown. It centered around two newlyweds rock climbing a mountain, but one had a secret that is revealed. This film was very thought provoking, and the beautiful scenery of the mountain made it stick out.

The French film “On/Off” centers on an astronaut that hears a mysterious message during a routine spacewalk as it turns very dangerous. Unlike the other films this was more “bells and whistles” with the space setting and other key pieces. Several of the films also provided twist endings and this one was by far the least satisfying.

Next from Mexico was “La Carnada,” which almost received my vote for best film. It centers on a desperate boy trying to smuggle a brick of cocaine into the U.S. It gives the best ending of all the films in the festival.

“Mend And Make Do” was the shortest of the films, running only eight minutes long, this English film really left a mark. It centers on an old woman reminiscing about wartime love. It was very unique in that it never featured an actor on screen but used animation, and stop motion.

“It was so cleverly done. No actual people ever appeared in the film and somehow I felt a connection to the woman and her story,” said Lisa Wamsley who voted for it for best film.

“I love the atmosphere of The Strand and that it continues to bring different cultural experiences to Vicksburg,” said Wamsley.

Next was the second and final U.S. film shown “The Bravest The Boldest.” It centered on a woman trying to avoid two soldiers who have come to her apartment building to give her the news of her husband’s death. It was the most emotionally jarring of the films and had the best performances given by an all around fantastic cast. Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris, who played the woman, received my vote for best actor.

The final film shown was a German film titled “Rhino Full Throttle.” It centered on a man searching for the soul of his city falling in love with an enigmatic young woman. The unique art style and picture centered sequences made it the most visually impressive and appealing. The story and bond formed between the two characters were also extremely well done. “A lot of people are so used to their surroundings they really can’t see it anymore,” said director Erik Schmitt.

Overall, the Manhattan Short was an extremely enjoyable experience. The Strand was one of two places in Mississippi to show the film.

Results will be posted Oct. 8.