If the Henry Miller Memorial Library was a fabulous tiara, the Big Sur International Short Film Screening Series would be the crown jewel.

Back in 2005, it was but the gleam in the eye of a Merlot-flushed Swedish sailor.  The first screenings were literally on a used projector purchased on eBay. (Read about it here in an excellent piece in CineSource Magazine.)

But seven years later, it has grown to be one of the most respected and adventurous series in the world.  There are no submission fees.  There are no genre restrictions.  No limits on year of product.

This year, we received closed to 1,000 submissions from over 35 countries.  We picked the best 50 or so.  We show them across the summer.  The upcoming schedule is here; our Facebook thing is here.

And this Wednesday, the fun begins.

We are pleased to announce that the 2012 Big Sur International Film Screening Series kicks off next week!

But better yet, in addition to Thursday night viewings in Big Sur, we’re bringing the Series to Carmel.  Please join us at the venerable Forest Theatre Wednesday night (June 6) for the first of three nights scheduled for the most brilliant, exciting, and provocative short films from all over the world.

A still from Week 1's "Disinstallare Un Amore" (Italy)

Prepare yourself for an evening of magic at the oldest outdoor community theater west of the Rockies!  More info here, including this week’s program.

And of course, Thursday we’ll show the same films at the Library.  Bring a blanket, a bottle of Arbor Mist, and enjoy the “world’s best popcorn.”

See you soon!