Movie lovers, mark your calendars!
The Washington-Centerville Public Library is thrilled to announce its participation in the 27th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival, where audiences become the ultimate judges in cinema's biggest night: The Oscars. The Library is the only venue in Montgomery County offering this festival, and it promises to be more exciting than ever, with every finalist automatically qualifying for the 2026 Academy Awards.
YOU DECIDE WHO GOES TO THE OSCARS
Join over 100,000 passionate film enthusiasts worldwide as you screen and vote for your favorite among ten exceptional short films. These aren't just any films – they're the cream of the crop, selected from thousands of submissions and destined for Oscar consideration.
"This is your chance to be part of cinema history," says Jenny Hicks, Team Leader, Adult Services, Washington-Centerville Public Library. "You're not just watching great films; you're helping to shape the future of the Academy Awards."
PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS
The Manhattan Short Film Festival has an impressive history of launching films to Oscar glory. In 2024 alone, four festival finalists were short-listed for the 2025 Oscars, with two earning nominations – including the eventual winner I'm Not a Robot.
When you vote at Manhattan Short, you're literally voting for tomorrow's Oscar winners. The deadline for entries was July 31, so the films are being selected now, and you will find them posted here:
https://www.manhattanshort.com/ prior to the festival.
EVENT DETAILS
Where: Woodbourne Library, 6060 Far Hills Avenue
When: September 27, 30, October 2, 3
Registration Opens: August 30, 2025
Age Requirement: 18+ ONLY
What to Expect: World-class short films, global voting participation, and the thrill of being part of the Oscar selection process
A GLOBAL CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE
Manhattan Short is the world's only film festival where the audience votes simultaneously across multiple countries and continents.
Your vote in Centerville carries the same weight as votes cast in New York, London, Tokyo, and beyond. It's democracy in action, celebrating the universal language of storytelling.
AUTOMATIC OSCAR QUALIFICATION
Every film selected for Manhattan Short 2025 will automatically qualify for the 2026 Academy Awards – a distinction that speaks to the festival's prestige and the caliber of films audiences will experience.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to be a tastemaker in the film industry. Register starting August 30 and prepare to discover your next favorite film while playing a direct role in the road to the Oscars.
For more information about screening times and registration details, visit wclibrary.info.
About Manhattan Short Film Festival Now in its 27th year, Manhattan Short is the world's only global film festival, screening simultaneously across multiple countries and continents, with audiences voting for their favorite films.
One World-One Week-One Festival.
Also check out other Entertainment events in Kettering, Festivals in Kettering, Workshops in Kettering.