Las Vegas Weekly

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Josh Bell

Wed, Jan 30, 2013 (5:33 p.m.)

Although they have their own categories at the Academy Awards, short films generally go unheralded in the film world, which makes the Dam Short Film Festival all the more valuable. Showcasing four days of short films, with more than 100 selections, the festival highlights the diversity and vibrancy of this undervalued art form, all in the charming small-town Boulder City setting. Here’s a look at some notable programs in this year’s festival.

The Found Footage Festival This long-running showcase for “old videos found at garage sales, thrift stores, warehouses and dumpsters across the country” stopped in Vegas once years ago, and now it gets a special DSFF showcase, hosted by Found Footage founders Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett. February 7, 7 p.m.

Viscera Film Festival Another traveling showcase, Viscera is home to horror films created by women. Scream queen and Viscera founder Shannon Lark will host a program of the best films from the series’ archive. February 7, 9:30 p.m.

Nevada Filmmakers The DSFF is always an excellent venue to highlight up-and-coming Vegas filmmakers, so if you’re looking to check out the next wave of local talent, this is the place to do it. February 8, 8:30 p.m.

Underground: The Naughty Side of the DSFF “These are films that we struggled over including or not,” says festival director John LaBonney. “Nothing you wouldn’t see in a fest in LA, but in Boulder City they’re after-dark material.” That includes sex, time travel and a leprechaun, among other oddities. February 8, 10:30 p.m.