The Love Your Shorts Film Festival, a showcase made to appreciate the art of short films, reappeared at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center from Feb. 11-14th in Sanford. The festival is managed by a nonprofit of the same name with the mission to support, promote, and recognize the art of short film and its artists.

The films shown were split into various segments, which were purchased separately. The blocks included “Opening Night”, “E for Everyone”, “Documentary”, “Animation”, “Comedy”, “Sci-fi/Horror”, “Drama” and “Florida Flavor”. Opening Night kicked off the festival, with “Leo’s Love Letter” taking the crown for the block.

Winners are chosen for each block; after the showings ended, the “Best of the Fest” was chosen, which a comedy, “Dad in Mum,” was the recipient of this year. 

Christina Grace, the Filmmaker Liaison, says, “We also give our audience the ability to vote for their favorite films and that is really an important feature for filmmakers— they like knowing if audiences enjoyed their film.”

The festival’s audience did not only consist of prolific directors and film professors as one might think; high school students were encouraged to attend, especially those interested in the field due to the opportunities that were available. The filmmakers panel on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 5 p.m. was a free event that was helpful to those interested in what happens behind the scenes.

Sophomore Devin Ramey notes, “I went to the Love Your Shorts Education day, where they had filmmakers come and speak to students from all over the county. It was awesome!”

Although the event has already passed, Love Your Shorts is annual, so those interested still have open opportunities. Freshman Amber Price says, “I would be interested in going to the festival, mostly due to the variety among the many entries.”

The majority of the films at the festival contained adult content and Love Your Shorts Film Festival, Inc. advises viewer discretion for events other than the “E for Everyone” block.