The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and Public Library invite the community to be part of the Manhattan Short Film Festival 2025, a global event where audiences in more than 500 cities cast votes for the world’s best short films.

On two dates, audiences in Santa Maria can view 10 finalist films spanning drama, comedy, animation and documentary. Screening details are:
 
Elwin Mussell Center, 510 E. Park Ave., Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Matinee: 2-4 p.m.
Evening: 5-7 p.m.
 
Santa Maria Public Library, Shepard Hall, 421 S. McClelland St., Friday, Oct. 3
6-8 p.m.

Now in its 28th year, the Manhattan Short Film Festival continues to highlight emerging filmmakers whose work has gone on to receive Academy Award recognition. By virtue of their selection, all 10 films are automatically Oscar-qualified.
 
2025 Finalist Films are:
“Em & Selma Go Griffin Hunting” (USA), “Al Fresco” (Spain), “Chasing the Party” (USA), “Paradise Man” (USA), “We Have Sinned Before You” (Israel), “I Have My Reasons” (United Kingdom), “Ovary-Acting” (Norway), “Beyond Silence” (The Netherlands), “Zodiak” (Belgium), and “Passarinho” (Mexico).

The 10 finalist films are screened simultaneously across the globe during a one-week period. Audience ballots from each venue determine the Best Film and Best Actor awards, which will be announced worldwide on Monday, Oct. 6 at www.ManhattanShort.com.

For more, contact the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, 805-925-0951 ext. 2260.