The short—and long of it

With the summer coming to its dreaded but inevitable close, we’re looking for a last hurrah, that final adventure to make the summer complete. The Sacramento International Film and Music Festival, happening this weekend, just might fit the bill. Entering its 12th year of sharing some of the country’s prime independent films, this year’s festival has been split into two events due to popularity: WinterFest and SummerFest.

SummerFest—unlike other international film festivals—gives people from the Sacramento area the opportunity to make their own films. With no entry fee required, aspiring directors were tasked to complete short films for the 10x10 Filmmaker Challenge. Each team had 10 days to complete a 10-minute short using designated themes and props. The 10-minute films screen Sunday, August 21, at 6 p.m. Moviegoers can also have a say with the chance to vote for their favorites.

On Sunday, the festival will close on a serious note with the film Fordson: Faith, Fasting, Football. This film follows four high-school football players from Dearborn, Mich., as they prepare for a crucial rivalry game during the final 10 days of Ramadan. Beginning September 11, 2009, and concluding 10 days later, this documentary not only follows the difficulties of religious fasting during sports training, but also addresses the inner struggle of an American birthright within the modern Muslim community.

Sacramento International Film and Music Festival happens August 17-21, at the Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street. Festival tickets are $60. Tickets for individual film events and screenings are also available. For more information, visit www.sacfilm.com.