By: Richard L. Smith
Movie lovers in Middlesex County will have an opportunity to become film critics later this month when the MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival returns to the Edison Public Library.
According to information released by the Edison Public Library, the 29th annual international festival will feature 10 short films selected from more than 1,800 submissions from around the world.
For the first time in the festival’s history, each finalist represents a different country. The films will be shown simultaneously at more than 500 locations worldwide, with audience members voting for Best Film and Best Actor.
The 2026 finalists represent the United States, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, United Kingdom, Moldova, Russia, Cuba, Georgia and Mexico. Each film runs 18 minutes or less.
Edison residents and other moviegoers age 14 and older can participate at all three library branches. Screenings are scheduled for Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Clara Barton Branch, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Edison Branch and Sept. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Main Library.
Attendees will receive ballots to select their favorite film and actor, with worldwide results scheduled to be announced Oct. 5.
Festival organizers said all 10 finalists are also Oscar-qualified, giving the filmmakers an opportunity for consideration in the Academy Awards process.
Nicholas Mason, founding director of MANHATTAN SHORT, said the festival was created to bring audiences across countries together through film while giving viewers a direct role in recognizing filmmakers and performers.