Short and Sweet – a selection of short films, animation and music videos from around the world –
has been warming up Capetonians every Tuesday evening.
Now in its second season, the event takes place in the vintage Wunderbar Theatre, where an original spread of eight to 10 cinematic hors d’oeuvres are served up every Tuesday night.
Cape Town’s only weekly short film evening features world premieres, live interviews, spot prizes and a chic, hip vibe.
Short and Sweet was packed to capacity last Tuesday, so it is advisable to arrive early to find a comfy seat.
Patrons can enjoy a glass of wine and freshly popped popcorn during the viewing.
First introduced in London in 2006 by Julia Stephenson, Short and Sweet later expanded to Toronto, Melbourne and now the Mother City.
“The aim is to celebrate film and take audiences on a journey: creatively, personally and emotionally.
“From established directors to new talent, I try to programme from my heart every week,” says Stephenson.
Her previous work as an agent for directors in London led her to stumble upon amazing content, which later led to her brainchild.
“I was being sent show reels, and I would come across the most beautiful short films.
“In those 12 years, coming across all those different short films changed my life,” she said.
“There’s a film for every emotion – somebody was able to visually format them to heal us.”
Guests can view these shorties on a huge 2x3m screen, which provides the perfect theatre environment in which to enjoy the season’s new content.
Stephenson is adamant that Short and Sweet is not a festival, as many people have come to think of it.
“When you’re in a festival you have a two-year life span, but at Short and Sweet, we want it all,” she chuckles.
“We show old films and new films by both established film directors and those who are undiscovered.
“It’s a moving-image art gallery with a range of films of all genres.
“I want people to come here, watch a film on a big screen in front of an audience, with great sound, and be touched by these films, as I have been.”