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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Saturday’s the night for Spokane shorts

Dan Webster

One of the added benefits of attending the 50 Hour Slam screenings, which occurs annually, is that it represents some of the best work done by local filmmakers. The latest edition of the Slam will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at The Bing Crosby Theater.

The event comprises 16 films, each of which was juried from nearly twice that number. (Full disclosure: I was one of seven jurors.)

Each filmmaking team was tasked with … well, let's quote the Slam's website: "The filmmakers will have exactly 50 hours to complete a 3 to 6 minute movie; starting from the writing and development process all the way to the final editing stage."

Furthermore, they were obligated to use one of several historic Spokane landmark buildings, working in a theme representing a dish prepared by a local restaurant and somehow incorporate the Slam's trailer into the final film.

As in years past, the evening will include recitations by a number of local poets and a performance by a local band — this year Pine League.

The Bing seats some 750. But the best seats will no doubt disappear early. The doors open at 5:30, so get there early.

Below: One of the cleverest shorts from the 2014 50 Hour Slam, "Gravitee."