From the short film “Pale of Settlement” is a scene with actor Kyle Catlett.

LEWISTON — Filmgoers in Lewiston Maine will unite with audiences in over 300 cities spanning six continents to view and judge the work of the next generation of filmmakers from around the world when the 16th annual Manhattan Short Film Festival screens at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, and Saturday, Sept. 28; and at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, at The Public Theatre, 31 Maple Street.

Of the 626 entries received from 48 countries, Manhattan Short selected 10 films as finalists. Each film is 18 minutes or under in length. Countries represented this year include Australia, Finland, England, Ireland, France and the U.S. in what festival organizers describe as the “United Nations of Film Festivals.”

These short films will not only entertain a global audience but will be judged by them as well. Filmgoers will be handed a voting card upon entry and asked to vote for the one film they feel should win. Votes are tallied at each participating cinema and submitted to festival headquarters where the winner will be announced in New York City as well as posted at 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, on www.ManhattanShort.com.

With past finalists achieving the ultimate in recognition by being nominated and even winning the Oscar in the short-film category, the Manhattan Short has become known as a breeding ground for the next big filmmaker.

In one week, over 150 cinemas in all 50 states in the U.S., as well as over 100,000 people from as far north as St. Petersburg, Russia to as far south as Buenos Aires, Argentina, as far east as Kathmandu, Nepal and as far west as Perth, Australia, will come to view and vote on these 10 films.

“While the goal of any festival is to discover and promote new talent, the real aim of this festival is bringing communities together via stories from around the world,” said Nicholas Mason, Manhattan Short founder and director.

“Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that what started as a small, relatively simple event when I projected a handful of short films onto the side of a truck on a downtown Manhattan street 16 years ago, would grow into what it is today, with communities all over the world getting together to celebrate via 10 short films. It’s become like Earth Day — but with film,” added Mason.

Finalists for 2013:

“#30” Australia

“Do I Have to Take Care Of Everything?” Finland

“Friday” England

“No Comment” France

“Irish Folk Furniture” Ireland

“Black Metal” USA

“Faces From Places” France

“I Am A Great Big Ball Of Sadness” USA

“Kizmet Diner” England

“Pale of Settlement” USA

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