The 21st edition of the Dam Short Film Festival gets underway in Boulder City today. At the risk of sounding cynical, is the format a perfect fit for an era of smartphones, social media, and short attention spans?
“That’s an interesting question,” says director of operations Ken Cioe. “We noticed in our surveys that our audience is getting younger. When we first started, our major demographic was Boulder City — it was a much older crowd.”
He adds: “The beauty of a short film is that if you don’t like it, it will be over quickly and another one will be coming right afterwards.”
🎞️ What To Expect at the Dam Short Film Festival
More than 150 films over six days, broken down into 30 programs that run 60-90 minutes. Q&A sessions with the filmmakers take place at the end of each program. Most follow a theme — drama, comedy, international, science fiction, horror, documentary, etc. — but variety blocks were introduced last year, offering a mix of genres.
“Comedy is always very popular,” Cioe says. “And the Nevada filmmaker block.”
👑 The Audience Reigns Supreme
The audience votes for their favorite submission at the conclusion of each program and the winners are recognized with a festival-ending awards ceremony.
🤔 What Qualifies as a Short Film?
A short film is anywhere between one and 40 minutes. “Usually, the sweet spot for a really good short film is between 12 and 17 minutes,” Cioe estimates.
📽️ Long Legacy
Animator Lee Lanier and wife Anita co-founded the festival in 2003. Through the years, films have been screened at the American Legion Hall, Boulder Theater, and now, the Elaine K. Smith Building. The festival temporarily took on a virtual format during the pandemic.
🎥 The Biggest Change?
“Over the years, our reputation has grown so much that the quality of films we get is just incredible,” Ken Cioe says, mentioning it’s now easier to submit a film for consideration digitally instead of via tape or DVD.
🍻 Mix and Mingle
The festival is a great way to get familiar with Boulder City. Affiliated events include coffee with the filmmakers at the Dam Roast House, a pizza meet-and-greet at Boulder Bowl, a mixer at Beer Zombies, and an after-party at the Boulder Dam Brewing Company. There's also a special Friday night romance program for Valentine’s Day, featuring a Grandma Daisy’s goodie bag.
🤑 I’m in! How much?
Tickets are $12.50 per block. All-access passes begin at $150. The festival is a nonprofit endeavor driven by volunteerism and all money goes back into running the event.
- The Dam Short Film Festival is just one reason to plan a visit to Boulder City. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
