International Film Festival Arrives At Somerset County Library

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Somerset County Library System of New Jersey will host local screenings of the 29th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival.

The screenings will give Somerset County residents a chance to join a global event taking place in more than 500 cities across six continents.

Between Sept. 24 and Oct. 4, more than 100,000 film enthusiasts around the world will gather to watch the same 10 Oscar-eligible short films, according to the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey.

The festival differs from traditional film festivals because each attendee receives an official ballot to vote for Best Film and Best Actor.

In Somerset County, community members can attend a preview at the library system's Warren Township branch or go to a partnership event at Raritan Valley Community College's Nash Theatre in Branchburg.

The RVCC event will include informal conversations among attendees and library staff members, along with an opportunity to connect with community resources, according to the announcement.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with RVCC to bring the global phenomenon of the Manhattan Short Film Festival to Somerset County," said Cortney Frank, SCLSNJ Program and Outreach Manager. "This festival is an interactive celebration of cinema that directly connects our residents with film lovers worldwide."

The screening schedule begins Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Warren Township branch, 42 Mountain Blvd., Warren.

A second Warren screening is set for Friday, Sept. 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The RVCC screening is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Raritan Valley Community College, 118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg.

All screenings are free and open to the public.

Registration is required for the Warren Township branch screenings.

People looking for more information about the Manhattan Short screening events can visit sclsnj.org/manhattanshort.