Bloglander

Short films are part of the lifeblood of any film festival, and the Spokane International Film Festival is no different, with various programs dedicated to domestic, international, even regional, short films. What follows are two short reviews of the abbreviated-format flicks. 

THE MAYOR OF BALLARD
Slow and thoughtful, this short film depicts old-school Ballardite Tuthill, a devoted blacksmith, mourning changes in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle over many years. The combination of Tuthill’s narration and the slow music might put you to sleep—which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but you might want a dose of caffeine to make it through the other films.

THE MOBILE STRIPPER
This bizarre-to-the-point-of-laughing short film begins as a casual gas station run that turns into an unusual adventure between a shy security guard and outgoing stripper. Expect a laugh or two, but don’t count on anything in it happening to you.

The Mayor of Ballard and The Mobile Stripper are part of the Best of the Northwest showcase, along with The Delivery Order, Lockhart FD, The Things We Keep, She Only Wants Me For My Body and Without An Ending • Sat, Jan 30 at 7:30 pm • Garland Theater • 924 W. Garland Ave.