SHORTS FESTIVAL
It's back and bigger than ever. Well, it's shorter and vaster at the same time. We're talking the DC Shorts Film Festival, which is back for the ninth year with an added venue in Fairfax in addition to its three D.C. hosts; free screenings including a new Films for Teens series; food-pairing events with top D.C. restaurants; an online, 24/7 festival where you can view select films; and more, bigger, crazier parties.
The festival, featuring 140 films from 27 countries that are 20 minutes or less, spans 11 days -- Thursday through Sept. 16 -- and is the largest shorts festival on the East Coast. The films will be grouped into 16 unique, 90-minute showcases that range in content from dramas to comedies, animation, sci-fi, documentaries and experimental works. Some films even include names such as Christopher Lloyd, Kathy Bates, Jason Alexander, Judi Dench and Anna Paquin.
Tickets bought in advance at dcshorts.com are $12. Tickets are $15 at the door, and all-access passes cost $125.
EAT FOR GOOD
Hurricane Isaac took a devastating toll on the community members of Plaquemines Parish, La., a small town just south of New Orleans. Art and Soul chef/owner Art Smith, along with executive chef and Louisiana native Wes Morton, will be raising support for the community by doing what they do best: cooking.
Art and Soul (415 New Jersey Ave. NW) serves up some of the best Southern cooking in D.C. It will host the Beer, Bourbon and Boudin Louisiana Shrimp Boil from 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday. Donate $55 and fill your plate with mouth-watering shrimp that will make you want to go back for seconds. All proceeds collected at the fundraiser will be given to the Red Cross for immediate relief for the residents of Plaquemines Parish.
Call 202-393-7777 to make a donation and confirm your attendance at this good old-fashioned shrimp boil.
RELAUNCH BASH
The Phillips Collection will show off its party skills with the relaunch of its website. The museum will host an unforgettable bash Thursday including delicious food, beer by Chocolate City, a special, website-inspired Binary Cocktail and music by local hip-hop artist and multi-instrumentalist Christylez Bacon.
The museum (1600 21st St. NW), which boasts more than 3,000 works by American and European modern artists, will offer gallery talks at 6 and 7 p.m. on art and emerging technologies through the years. And log on to Twitter and follow @PhillipsMuseum on a scavenger hunt through the historic building for a chance to win prizes.
Though you do not need a reservation for the 5 to 8:30 p.m. bash, we suggest you make one because this event will be popular. The cost is $12 for nonmembers and $10 for students and those 62 and older.