National Short Film Day is a celebration dedicated to honoring the art of short-form cinema and commemorating the birth of the motion picture industry. This special day recognizes the creativity, innovation, and impact of short films in the world of cinema.
Quick Facts
- When is it: December 28th annually
- Tagged as: Cultural Observance, Unofficial Holiday
- Hashtags: #NationalShortFilmDay #ShortFilmDay
- Founded: 2019
- Founded by: Film Movement
History of National Short Film Day
The day marks the historic first commercial public film screening by the Lumière brothers on December 28, 1895, in Paris. They showed ten short films, each lasting less than a minute, to a paying audience of 33 people at the Grand Café, effectively birthing the motion picture industry.
Timeline
- 1891: Edison Company demonstrates the kinetoscope
- 1895: First public film screening by Lumière brothers
- 2002: Film Movement established
- 2019: First National Short Film Day celebration
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dec 28 | Saturday |
| 2025 | Dec 28 | Sunday |
| 2026 | Dec 28 | Monday |
| 2027 | Dec 28 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | Dec 28 | Thursday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by watching short films, hosting screening parties, creating their own short films, and sharing their favorite short films on social media. Film Movement streams 10 free short films on their platform each year on this day.
Fun Facts About Short Films
- The shortest Oscar-nominated film was “Fresh Guacamole” at 1 minute 41 seconds
- Short films can range from 15 seconds to 40 minutes
- Early films were all short, typically under one minute
- Short films are often used as calling cards for emerging filmmakers
Quiz
- When was the first public film screening?
- How long can a short film be?
- Who invented the Kinetoscope?
(Answers: 1895, Up to 40 minutes, Edison Company)
FAQs
What defines a short film?
A film with a maximum running length of 40 minutes, including credits.
Why are short films important?
They allow for more artistic freedom and experimental storytelling approaches.
Importance of Short Films
Short films serve as a crucial platform for emerging filmmakers, allowing creative expression without the financial constraints of feature films. They often tackle unique subjects and experimental techniques that might not be feasible in longer formats.
Related Holidays
- World Cinema Day
- International Animation Day
- Independent Film Day
- Documentary Day
- Silent Film Day