RMFA SHORTS film fest features eclectic mix

'The Butterfly Circus,' the story of a traveling circus during the Great Depression in which a man with no limbs is exploited. (Courtesy image)

The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts recently announced its program selections for the second edition of SHORTS, an evening comprised entirely of award-winning short films from around the world.

The event will take place at Rochester Opera House on Jan. 9, with a cocktail hour beginning at 7 p.m.

The celebration of movie-making excellence brings together film enthusiasts, filmmakers, and artists to discover the best in contemporary cinema. Some of the evening's highlights will include:

"The Butterfly Circus," a story of the showman of a renowned circus who leads his troupe through the devastated American landscape during the Great Depression. Along the way, they discover a man without limbs being exploited in a carnival sideshow; but after an intriguing encounter with the showman, he becomes driven to hope against everything he has ever believed.

"Sausage," the multi award-winning and Oscar long-listed animated short film. This retro animation introduces us to two artisan stallholders whose idyllic world is invaded by a devious fast-food vendor. The ferocious turf war that follows provokes life changing events that result in one delicious discovery!

"Double Trouble" is the story about a shy young man who misses the opportunity to talk to the girl of his dreams. When he finds a mysterious pocket watch that can turn back time, he gets a second chance.

"Danny and the Wild Bunch" is the story of a children's book author that is told her latest manuscript needs to be darker in order to appeal to a more contemporary audience. When her revisions anger the characters in the book, they come back to make some changes of their own.

"Sober" is a short documentary about facing your worst fears head on and becoming a stronger version of yourself. "Sober" has achieved international attention online and continues to engage at risk groups of people around the globe.

"Runaway," a student animated film, is a charming story about a misunderstanding between a man named Stanley and his treasured 1950's refrigerator, named Chillie. Set in present day, a sad event sends Chillie into a whirlwind of emotional turmoil, and as a result, he runs away.

In "97%," Bert is looking for love via a dating app and discovers that a 97% love match is near. Will he find her before the subway reaches the end of the line?

The evening will feature many more short films such as: "Procrastination," "Wander With Me," "Fetch," and "Shattered". The RMFA film series at Rochester Opera House is supported in part by Rochester Main Street.

Patrons can purchase tickets at the box office, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 10am to 5pm, and two hours prior to the event. Call (603) 335-1992 or visit RochesterOperaHouse.com for more information. Cash bar, under age 18 must be accompanied by legal guardian. This Film Series event is sponsored by TD Bank, Seacoast Media Group, and The Cocheco Times. Rochester Opera House is located in City Hall, 31 Wakefield Street, Rochester NH.