Cleveland Film Society | Cleveland International Film Festival | Cleveland Short Film Festival

The Cleveland International Film Festival is the flagship event of the Film Society.

Founded in 1977, the Cleveland Film Society has presented the Cleveland International Film Festival every spring for over three decades. Ohio's premier film event features over 240 films originating from close to 60 countries. Visiting filmmakers, panel discussions, and student screenings are all CIFF highlights

Our Vision
The Cleveland Film Society is a leader in helping the world discover the power of the film arts to educate, entertain and celebrate the human experience.

Guiding Principles
In pursuing its mission, the Cleveland Film Society will:

Set high standards for quality film education and exhibition, placing artistic and cultural merit above commercial appeal;
Foster understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and values;
Work collaboratively to broaden access to quality film arts;
Cultivate an innovative and forward-thinking organization;
Ensure the organization's financial stability and increase its financial self-sufficiency;
Promote among board, staff, and volunteers a work environment based on integrity, professionalism, teamwork, trust, and respect.

Short subject is a format description originally coined in the North American film industry in the early period of cinema. The description is now used almost interchangeably with short film. Either term is often abbreviated to short.

Although the North American definition generally refers to films between 20 and 40 minutes, the definition refers to much shorter films in Europe, Latin America and Australasia. In New Zealand, for instance, the description can be used to describe any film that has a duration longer than one minute and shorter than 15 minutes. The North American definition also tends to focus much more on character whereas the European and Australasian forms tend to depend much more on visual drama and plot twists. In this way, the North American form can be understood to be a derivation of the feature film form, usually acting as a platform for aspirant Hollywood directors. Elsewhere, short films tend to work as showcases for cinematographers and commercial directors.

Since the 1980s, the term "short subject" has come to be used interchangeably with "short film," an international, academic term used to mean a contemporary non-commercial motion picture that is substantially shorter than the average commercial feature film. There is no clear definition of the maximum length of a short film, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences classify it as 40 minutes, while the Internet Movie Database refer to any film lasting less than 45 minutes as a short subject. The short-film form is to the full-length film what the short story is to a full-fledged novel.

Short films often focus on difficult topics which longer, more commercial films usually avoid. Filmmakers benefit from larger freedoms and can take higher risks, but they must rely on festival and art house exhibition to achieve public display. Most short films are better known outside the United States than within, due to less rigidity of audience expectation as to program content, arrangement and length outside the U.S. However, film shorts are often a popular extra feature on a film's DVD. For instance, Pixar's DVD releases of its feature films typically includes not only a short that was distributed with the feature film in its initial theatrical release but also an original creation featuring the characters from the feature itself. Likewise, Warner Brothers often includes selected animated shorts from its considerable archives on DVD releases of its family-oriented films that have a thematic relationship.

Films such as S. Luciani's Dolls show how professional actors and crews still choose to create short films as alternative form of expression. Short films are often popular as first steps into the cinematic art among young filmmakers. They are cheaper and easier to make, usually don't take very long to produce, and their brevity makes shorts more likely to be watched by financial backers and others who want some demonstration of a filmmaker's ability (or, conversely, the format allows for more experimentation since most of them are unlikely to be seen by a wide audience).

Short filmmaking is also growing in popularity among amateurs and enthusiasts, who are taking advantage of affordable equipment. "Prosumer" or semi-professional cameras now cost under USD$3,000, and free or low-cost software is widely available that is capable of video editing, post-production work and DVD authoring.

Tickets can be purchased on-site at The Film Festival Store in the lobby of Tower City Cinemas or call 1-877-304-3456. To purchase tickets online, Click here.

STAND BY Information: On occasion, certain films are temporarily put on STAND BY while we adjust theater capacity. So please continue to visit our website for STAND BY changes and updates.

Location and Driving Directions: The Cleveland International Film Festival takes place at Tower City Center in the heart of downtown Cleveland with easy access from any location. Click here for maps and directions.

From the East
Shoreway West to W. 3rd Street exit. West (right) on St. Clair Avenue. South (left) on W. 9th Street. Continue south on Huron Road OR I-90 West to Prospect Avenue, Exit 173A. West (right) on Prospect Avenue. West (left) on Huron Road. Continue West on Huron Road.

From the South
I-71 North to Ontario Avenue, Exit 171B. Continue North on Ontario Avenue. West (left) on Huron Road. OR I-77 North to E. 9th Street, Exit 163C. North (right) on Ontario Avenue. West (left) on Huron Road.

From the West
Shoreway East to Lakeside Avenue exit. South (right) on W. 6th Street. West (right) on St. Clair Avenue. South (left) on W. 9th Street. Continue south on Huron Road.

Parking and Transportation: Parking at the Tower City Center self-parking garage and lot is FREE (when available) for CIFF patrons. This parking area is accessible from Huron Road. Patrons must have their parking ticket validated in the Tower City Cinemas lobby. Complimentary valet parking is available only to CFS members at the Movie Mogul and Executive Producer levels. Valet parking is located off Prospect Ave. between Ontario and W. 3rd Street. Riverview parking is another free option for CIFF Patrons with a validated parking ticket. Visit www.towercityparking.com for additional parking options.

You can also ride RTA to the Film Festival. For detailed information about routes and schedules, please visit www.rideRTA.com or call the RTAnsweline at 216-621-9500

Recommended Hotels and Accommodations: Be sure to mention the Cleveland International Film Festival when you book your accommodations to take advantage of the special rates and packages that are available at our sponsor hotels. Please note that all offers are subject to availability so book your room early at the following preferred hotels!

* Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
* Embassy Suites Hotel Cleveland - Downtown
* Glidden House Hotel
* Doubletree Hotel Cleveland Downtown / Lakeside
* Renaissance Cleveland Hotel
* Holiday Inn Express Cleveland Downtown
* Marriott Key Cleveland Downtown

Filmmakers-for information on how to get The Distributors Directory for Independent Filmmakers, Click Here!
For information on Film & Movie Financing, Click Here!

Festival Shorts Collection

Product Description
EL GRAN ZAMBINI aka THE GREAT ZAMBINI - Spain - Live Action - 15 minutes
The remains of an ancient circus can still be seen on the outskirts of a big city, as we follow the story of an aging circus performer and the troubled relationship he has with his young son.

MANN IM MOND aka MAN IN THE MOON - Germany - Animated - 7 minutes
A little man who lives on the moon spends his days working on his dirt garden, keeping himself busy, and longing for company. When in 1969 the first manned mission to land on the moon is started, his dream is about to come true. One day he notices a light heading his way from the large blue planet that fills his vista, and he runs out to greet his new guests, only to get a big surprise in return.

LA LECON DE DANSE aka THE DANCE LESSON - France - Live Action - 5 minutes
This film is dedicated to all the people who want to impress others with revolutionary dance training. You will no longer have an excuse not to move your body to the sound of digital beats. Two left feet? No rhythm? No problem. One man breaks it down in this hilarious instructional dance class.

THE SICKIE - Great Btitain - Live Action - 14 minutes
When events at work prove too stressful for Douglas Knott, an over-worked, under-appreciated employee, he decides to make his boss and co-workers notice him by his absence. He decides to throw a sickie. Unfortunately, his attempts to enjoy a day off are soon sabotaged by the insidious voice of his conscience, literally!

DIAMONDS IN A BUCKET - Canada - Live Action - 21 minutes
Vivian won't admit she's been a doormat all her life. Harold won't admit his songs are garbage. Vivian wants a man, any man, who'll look after her. Harold wants a woman to adore him and fix his tea. When they meet, they are destined to have a sad, pathetic relationship. That is, until Harold's thirty-year old daughter shows up and ruins everything.

MIGRATION ASSISTEE aka AIDED MIGRATION - France - Animated 3D - 5 minutes
Finally, it's time for Sureau (a migratory bird) to go on his long awaited journey, the big trip, the love season! Yet whilst he anxiously gets ready to leave, Sureau is diagnosed with a nitrogen allergy. From now on, he will have to fly by plane, alongside the other cripples.

NO BIKINI - Canada - Live Action - 8 minutes
No Bikini introduces us to a young girl who defies sexual convention during her summer swim class, all beginning with an ill-fitted bathing suit. Filled with humor, this film is less about defining one's gender than it is about discovering personal strength.

A HALF MAN - Canada - Stop Motion Animation - 5 minutes
A whole man contained in half a body struggles to maintain his daily routine and provide for the child in his care.

(photo from Bing Ai (CHINA)

The first Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) was organized by Jonathan Forman and presented April 13 - June 2, 1977. Eight films from seven countries were shown at the Cedar Lee Theatre in Cleveland Heights over an eight-week period. Presented as a subscription series, the first CIFF received substantial media attention, and attendance indicated that Clevelanders wanted a broader schedule.

By its third year, the CIFF had grown to include feature films from around the world, children's films, retrospectives, and short subjects. A Board of Trustees - consisting of community leaders, film scholars, and film enthusiasts - was assembled to oversee the mission, funding, and growth of the CIFF.

By its fifth year, the CIFF had developed a network of screening locations, establishing itself within the Greater Cleveland arts community as an eagerly awaited annual event. Fund raising was enhanced through the generosity of The George Gund Foundation and The Cleveland Foundation, and educational efforts were strengthened as a result.

In 1986 the CIFF moved its Opening Night to the Ohio Theatre in Playhouse Square, adding to the excitement and appeal of the event. Guest filmmakers regularly attended the Film Festival to introduce their films and answer audience questions. And a fall program of international films became an annual part of the organization's presentations for a number of years.

In January 1991, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to move the Film Festival from the Cedar Lee Theatre in Cleveland Heights to Tower City Cinemas in downtown Cleveland, making the event more accessible to film lovers from throughout the region. During its first year downtown, the Festival's attendance (14,000) fell slightly. But by 1995 attendance had grown to 23,000. And in 1998 the Festival experienced its greatest one-year increase in attendance: a jump of 16% resulted in 32,000 admissions. At the 30th CIFF in March 2006, there were more than 52,000 admissions.

At its meeting in January 1991, the Board of Trustees of the Cleveland International Film Festival also voted to change the name of the organization to the Cleveland Film Society (CFS). The purpose of the change was to reflect the evolution of the organization's mission.

Today the Cleveland International Film Festival is the flagship event of the organization, though certainly not its sole function. Year-round programs and services include Film Feasts (mini-fundraising events), film appreciation classes, and membership activities.

Types of Programs Offered
In addition to being the flagship event of the Cleveland Film Society, the Cleveland International Film Festival is the premier film event between New York and Chicago.

Today's CIFF includes a full survey of contemporary international filmmaking with over 120 features from approximately 60 countries and 90 short subjects that are shown in collected programs. Along with the main program of international films, there are special sections that add interest and diversity to the overall Festival. These include American independent, documentary, Eastern European, family, gay and lesbian, and Pan-African films.

Many filmmakers and other special guests attend the CIFF where they participate in FilmForums, which are panel discussions that give audience members a chance to talk about the films they've seen at the Film Festival.

Additionally, through a community outreach program called Cultural Journeys, members of culturally diverse groups and communities learn from one another using the universal language of film. FilmForums (moderated panel discussions), which follow film screenings, serve as an impetus for educating people on timely, complex, and controversial issues.

FilmSlam is the CIFF's student film festival for high school students. It is held on weekday mornings during the CIFF. At the 32nd CIFF in March 2008, over 3,600 students from 100 Northeast Ohio schools participated in FilmSlam. In addition to viewing films, they met with visiting filmmakers.

For the past 34 years, the CIFF has been the premier film event in Ohio. Today the CIFF presents a full survey of contemporary international and American Independent filmmaking, with more than 150 features and 130 short subjects from approximately 60 countries.

In addition to the main World Tour program, there are sidebars that add interest and diversity to the overall Festival and help attendees navigate the offerings. These include American Independents, 10% Cinema films (lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender), Pan-African Images, Family Films, Jewish and Israeli Visions, Pacific Pearls (Asia and Pacific Islands Films), Women of The World (films about or directed by women), It's Easy Being Green (films dealing with environmental issues), Film is Art, and Cinema En Español. And once again the CIFF will include a Local Heroes section, which spotlights works by local filmmakers.

Dozens of filmmakers and other special guests attend the CIFF where they introduce their screenings, discuss their work, and participate in FilmForums (which are panel discussions that give audience members a chance to talk about the films they've seen at the Festival). Other Festival components include:

Someone To Watch: the CIFF focuses on an early or mid-career filmmaker by screening their latest work with an earlier film.

FilmSlam: a mini-festival of CIFF films for high school students.

Again this year the CIFF is privileged to present the Central and Eastern European Film Competition, with a $10,000 cash prize, and the Nesnadny + Schwartz Documentary Film Competition, with a $5,000 cash prize. Each competition will be judged by three jurors and the awards will be announced on Closing Night of the 35th CIFF. The recipient of the Standing Up competition $5,000 cash prize will be determined by the CIFF audience and will also be announced on Closing Night. For the 22nd year in a row, patrons can vote on the feature films they see and determine the recipient of the Roxanne T. Mueller Award (the internationally recognized CIFF audience choice award).

The CIFF offers many short film awards including the Best Animated Short Film*, Best Documentary Short Film, Best International Short Film, Best Live Action Short Film*, Best Ohio Short Film, Best Student Short Film, Best Women's Short Film, The Spalding and Jackson Award - In Celebration of Joy, The Clover and Maggie Award - In Celebration of Life, Best LGBT Short Film Award, and The Rice Hershey Memorial Award for Originality. These awards total over $10,000 in cash and prizes.

* These award winners will qualify for consideration in the short film category at the annual Academy Awards ®

Preview Guides and tickets are available in mid February.