A cab driver keeps small talk alive in a city run by AI. A black cat stops a young woman on her way out of her village. A boy crosses the desert carrying his mother’s last words.

They’re three of the 10 finalists in the 29th Manhattan Short Film Festival. For the first time in the festival’s history, every finalist comes from a different country. Founder Nicholas Mason has called this year’s lineup the “filmic Olympiad” he’s worked toward since 9/11.

This week, more than 500 venues on six continents screen the same 10 films, and we’re proud to be one of them. Join Gorton Center in the John & Nancy Hughes Theater, watch all 10 and vote for Best Film and Best Actor. Your ballot joins votes from around the world, and the winners are announced Monday, October 5. Every finalist is Oscar-qualified, so tonight’s favorite could land on next year’s Academy Awards shortlist.

The program runs about two and a half hours, including a short intermission. Some films include mature themes and language.

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