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Film festival schedule announced for Feb. 12-16

The schedule for the 10th annual Dam Short Film Festival was announced Jan. 1, and the festival will be bigger than ever.

The festival, which features only short films, will run Feb. 12-16 at the Boulder Theatre.

This is the first year the festival is five days. Festival Executive Director Lee Lanier said the additional day was added to make the time demands easier for festival staff and volunteers.

“It’s a little easier for us. We can spread the schedule out, have few more films and have it not be so crazy,” Lanier said. “We had a couple of really good years in a row so we can afford to go five days.”

There will be 171 short films in 26 program blocks this year. In comparison, last year’s festival offered 146 films.

The schedule contains many of the festival’s tried and true film blocks in the genres of international, comedy, drama, horror as well as the Nevada filmmakers showcase, its most popular block.

A new program block this year is the 75-minute dramedy block, which features dramatic comedies from the United States, Canada and Spain and Australia.

Another new feature is the three retrospective blocks in comedy, animation and Nevada films, showcasing the best films from previous years.

“It was fun because we got to go back though all our old schedules,” Lanier said.

Also unique this year is a special presentation by Lanier and festival director John LaBonney entitled “Secrets of the Dam Short Film Festival.”

According to the festival website, Lanier and LaBonney will discuss “how the festival is put together each season, the challenges and triumphs, and the deep dark secrets that were never meant to be revealed.”

They’ll also discuss the film festival circuit in general and how to navigate festival waters.

In previous years, the festival has attracted dozens of filmmakers and actors from across the world to Boulder City.

However, since filmmakers were notified that their films were accepted so recently — Jan. 1 — Lanier said it is not yet known who will attend the festival.

Lanier said he wasn’t sure if he thought the festival would last a decade when it began as a modest showcase at American Legion Post 31, but he credits its longevity to slow growth.

“I was hoping we’d make it this far,” he said. “I think the thing we did which was good was we were really flexible changing days over the years and it helped us to survive this long.”

For a complete schedule and ticketing information, visit www.damshortfilm.org.

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Best Bets, March 9-15

1 READY TO ROCK: The Rock, Roll & Stroll fundraiser for the Senior Center of Boulder City’s Meals on Wheels program will be presented from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in Bicentennial Park, 999 Colorado St. The fifth annual event will include a car show, games, food and music by DJ Mike Pacini. For more information, call 702-293-3320.

Best Bets, March 2-8

1 MUSIC MAKER: Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ted Sablay will perform at the Boulder Dam Brewing Company from 7-10 Saturday night. A native of Wisconsin, Sablay now calls Las Vegas home. He has spent much of the past 20 years as a touring member and regular collaborator with The Killers. He debuted his first album as a solo artist in 2022. The Brewpub is at 453 Nevada Way. Call 702-243-2739 or visit www.boulderdambrewing.com for more information.

Best Bets, Feb. 23-March 1

1 FANTASTIC THEATER: The Young Hearts Theater Group, sponsored by Boulder City United Methodist Church, will present C.S. Lewis’ classic fantasy tale “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Elaine K. Smith Building, 700 Wyoming St. Admission is free.

Best Bets, Feb. 16-22

1 MORE MOVIES: The Dam Short Film Festival returns for its 19th incarnation and with in-person screenings, but at a new location. Scheduled Thursday through Monday at the Elaine K. Smith Building, 700 Wyoming St., the festival will screen 153 short films in about 30 programs. Tickets are $12.50 per program, $45 for a full-day pass and $150 for an event pass. Visit www.damshortfilm.org for more information.

Best Bets, Feb. 9-15

1 RED CARPET READY: Celebrity couples will be roaming the streets downtown Saturday as the Best Dam Wine Walk hosts its monthly event. Scheduled from 4-8 p.m., with check-in through 6:30 at My 4 Sons Comic Cards, 1308 Wyoming St., the wine walk provides an opportunity to visit local businesses, often after their regular hours. Admission is $25 per person, plus Eventbrite fees, in advance or $30 at check-in.