Short. Sweet. Film Fest returns for 11th year - cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- More than 150 short films make up this year’s Short. Sweet. Film Fest, which is set to take place Feb. 23-27 at Cleveland’s Alex Theater at the Metropolitan at the 9. The festival will also include an on-demand component, for viewers to tune in from their homes.

“We are super excited to once again show over 150 short films from all around the world both in-person and online,” said festival founder Mike Suglio. “Half of the films are created here, in Northeast Ohio.”

Short. Sweet. kicks off on Wednesday, Feb. 23 with an opening night celebration, featuring a networking component and a Q&A with filmmakers, along with movie showings 7-10 p.m.

After that, the festival will host a student filmmaker’s night and a special program called “=” on Feb. 24.

“Our Short. Sweet. ‘=’ program will show films in a smaller theater in a reduced sensory environment with less noise and more light for patrons who’d rather have that experience,” Suglio said in a statement.

On Feb. 25, local filmmakers will take the focus during the festival’s evening screenings. The following weekend (Feb. 26-27) will be filled with various programs, including comedy, animation, music videos, LGBTQ movies, drama, horror, documentary and more. On the final day of the festival (Feb. 27), winners from the Short. Sweet. Film Competition will be showcased.

Tickets to most film blocks cost $20-$35 and include access to networking events and Q&A sessions following films, along with access to the festival’s on-demand viewing platform for one month.

Some free programming has also been mixed into this year’s festival, including a dog-friendly movie screening at the Metropolitan at the 9′s indoor dog park on Saturday, which will accept donations for City Dogs, NEOSPCA and the Cleveland Animal Protective League. Virtual reality films will also be offered for free.

The in-person festival will require proof of vaccination upon entry, according to a press release. Attendees will also take a health assessment and give a temperature check at the door. Face masks will be required unless attendees are eating or drinking.

Last year, Short. Sweet. Film Fest also offered a hybrid format, with limited in-person screenings and on-demand film viewings, due to the pandemic.

Find more information about this year’s festival, including a full schedule of films, at shortsweetfilmfest.com.

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