Once again locals will have the opportunity to become a film critic during the 18th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival, which will begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Strand Theatre, 717 Clay St.

“Manhattan Short was one of our most popular and well attended events last year,” film programmer for the Strand Theatre Daniel Boone said.

Boone said the film festival will unite audiences from more than 250 cities from six continents to view and judge the work of the next generation of filmmakers from around the world.

“Cinema-goers will become instant film critics as they are handed a ballot upon entry that allows them to vote for the Best Film and Best Actor,” Boone said. “Manhattan Short is the ultimate audience award that salutes the creative talents of both directors behind the camera and actors in front of it.”

This year, Manhattan Short received 672 short film entries from 52 countries and the 10 finalists are from eight countries.

This year’s finalist are “Listen” from Finland, “Dad’s In Mum” from France, “Bear Story” from Chili, “Forever Over” from Germany, “Shok” from Kosovo, “Grounded” from France, “Sundown” from Turkey, “Patch” from Switzerland, “El Camino Solo” from the U.S. and “Bis Gleich” from Germany.

The short films from Turkey and Kosovo are representing their respective countries for the first time and two of the short films, “Bear Story” and “Patch” are sophisticated animations.

Also, in highlighting the continued importance of women in film, half of this year’s selections feature actresses ranging in age from children to senior citizens, Boone said.

Following the screenings, Boone said audience members are invited to an event after the movie at Martin’s at Midtown Restaurant, 1101 Belmont St.

“We will discuss the films and audience members can defend their choices while they await the local results. We will be furiously counting the votes and as soon as we have totals, we will let everyone at Martin’s know,” Boone said.

Manhattan Short Film Festival founding director, Nicholas Mason, said this event is about communities coming together at their local theaters and will not be aired on cable television or Video on Demand.

For more information, call 601-529-7262 or visit facebook.com/westsidetheatrefoundation.