Asbury Shorts, New York City’s longest-running non-competitive short film exhibition and touring show, is returning to the founder’s hometown of Westbury on Friday, September 10, for a free outdoor evening film show at Piazza Ernesto Strada on Post and Maple Avenues in the middle of the Village. The show will open with live music by the Vince Scuderi Quartet at 7:15 with the first film at approximately 8 pm. The show will feature a mix of past audience request favorites mixed with new global festival winners and honorees. Past show guest hosts from the early years of Asbury Shorts Long Island days will be on hand to introduce some of the films.
Asbury Shorts is named for Westbury’s Asbury Avenue where the founder of the festival, filmmaker Doug LeClaire grew up. “I love returning to Westbury, a community that nourished and educated me,” he says.
For 40 years Asbury Shorts’ film “Concerts” have been presented at venues across the US, Canada, Great Britain, and Germany. “Our mission,” says LeClaire, “is to screen world-renowned, festival award-winning short films – from all years – in cinemas, art museums, performing arts centers, and cool outdoor locations…on real cinema screens…as opposed to YouTube, smartphones, or computers.” The program features a fast-paced and highly entertaining lineup of the best in short film comedy, drama, and animation and often includes Oscar nominees, US film festival ‘Best of Show winners, and international honorees from the past & present. Says LeClair, “These films are recommended for ages 16 and way above.” Says Jason Reitman, Academy Award-nominated director of Juno and Thank You for Smoking: “The Best Short Film Show I’ve ever seen.”
Reservations are not necessary. Bring a folding chair just in case seating runs out.
This 10th anniversary Short Film Concert of Westbury is presented by Westbury Arts. https://westburyarts.org
This event is sponsored in part by Rowan Realty.
Photos of Doug LeClaire
At podium; credit: Paula Vlodkowsky
Rooftop: credit: Stephanie Savage
