LEWISTON — The Public Theatre will officially welcome people back to the 31 Maple St. theatre at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 and 25 for the 24th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test and the wearing of a mask while in the building will be required to attend. 

Ten short films from around the world will be simultaneously screened in over 400 cities spanning six continents during a one-week period, with the Best Film and Best Actor awards determined by the total ballots cast by the audiences in this Oscar-qualified film festival. 

The Ten Manhattan Short films hail from eight countries with films from United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Norway, Italy, Canada, two films from France, and two films from the U.S. These 10 short films represent the best short films from among 967 submissions from 70 countries, testimony to the enduring vibrancy and creativity of short films. This year’s Final Ten represent an extraordinary range of film genres that includes intimate dramas; spine-tingling tales; an animated tale of a little girl who falls in love with a beautiful horse; and how a talented teenager copes with restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the program.

The Manhattan Short Final Ten are: “Death by Handshake” (U.S.), “GANEF” (United Kingdom), “Bad Omen” (Afghanistan), “Rough” (Northern Ireland), “Archibald’s Syndrome” (France), “The Kicksled Choir” (Norway), “Closed to the Light” (Italy), “Out of Time” (France), “Aurora” (U.S.), and “Monsieur Cachemire” (Canada). Which of these Final Ten short films is the best? That’s up to you and a worldwide audience to decide as you view and vote on the work of the next generation of filmmakers from around the world.

For tickets, or more information, call 782-3200 or visit thepublictheatre.org. Stop by after the Friday Lewiston/Auburn Artwalk for the perfect end to an art filled day.