NEW YORK, NY — Following its most successful event to date last year, the semi-finals for the Short Cuts festival — founded by actor/comedian Wil Sylvince and backed by NBCUniversal — will be a two-day event for the first time in its eight years of existence. Comedians Hannibal Buress and Sherrod Small will share hosting duties on the event curated by Sylvince. The festival will include a panel discussion on August 20th at 5pm, along with screenings that night at 7pm with Small as the event host. On the second day, screenings will also begin at 7pm with Buress taking the stage to lead the night. Both days of the event will take place at the School of Visual Arts Theater (333 W. 23rd St). Entry is free for all events with RSVP to diversity @ nbcuni . com. Seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis.
The Short Cuts festival is about much more than presenting short films. As described by Sylvince: “the goal is to display and celebrate diversity in entertainment.” Short Cuts features talent across all genres, including comedy, drama, horror and science fiction. This year’s semi-finalists will be awarded round-trip airfare to New York City, with the top finalists traveling to Los Angeles for the finale in October. Past attendees of the festival have included actress Olivia Munn (The Newsroom), actor Craig Robinson (The Office), and actor Damon Wayans, Jr. (Happy Endings).
A consistent industry highlight for eight years, the Short Cuts festival has proven to be the ultimate showcase for writers, directors, actors, TV creators and filmmakers of diverse backgrounds from all over the country. The event provides these creative individuals an opportunity to have their projects seen by key decisions makers from the entire NBCUniversal family as well as agents, managers, producers, and other industry players. This year’s semi-finalist were chosen from among 1,455 entries and will proudly share their work on August 20th and 21st.
For festival updates and to see the winners, visit www.nbcshortcuts.com.
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