by Sam Banack

In a city with over 60 film fests a year, I find myself touting the Worldwide Short Film Festival as one of my absolute favourites. There are many reasons for my favouritism. The WSFF and I – we got history; I’ve been volunteering for them for years.  As well, the fest is devoted primarily to up-and-coming filmmakers who have little resources and low-to-no financial backing. But I’ll save you the sappy starving artist bit, and instead let you in on a little secret.  The reason behind my love for the festival is…SCENE NOT HERD and SLAP’N’TICKLE. These two programmes, which recur every year, are the highlight of my WSFF experience, and are devoted to two of my favourite things – music and SEX. 

SCENE NOT HERD showcases the newest, hottest and weirdest in music videos, and is programmed by local music/video geek Sandy Hunter.  He’s also responsible for bringing Toronto ResFest and some of the most innovative programming on showcase.ca (if you haven’t seen Hot Snack Radio…you’re missing out!). 

This year’s SCENE NOT HERD programme features a mind-blowingly fun array of animation, smut, bees and colour, as well as a kick ass soundtrack including the New Pornoraphers, Bjork, Hot Chip, Emily Haines, and more.  

A must-see screening, SCENE NOT HERD is going down Friday June 13 (hell yeah) at 9:30 pm at the Royal.  And, as always, your ticket gets you into the film AND after party at the Gibson Showroom (1205 King Street West) featuring live performances by Cancel Winter, Super Fantastic Soundsystem, and Kids and Explosions. 

My second favourite programme, SLAP’N’TICKLE is the yearly WSFF nod to all things naughty, weird, and wild; and it never fails to entice.  This year, the sexiness hails from a variety of nations from Canada to the US, Ireland, Australia, Romania, and France. Ooh la la. 

Amongst my favourite films is I’VE NEVER HAD SEX, a short that wears even shorter shorts and clocks in at 2 minutes.  Its based on an Arcade Game, which asks TO locals what they’ve ‘never done’ in a clever twist of the famed college drinking game. The replies are priceless! 

But don’t just take my word for it. The true beauty of a short film festival is that there’s something for everyone, so go see for yourself.  

The WorldWide Short Film Festival runs until June 15, and you can get all the details at worldwideshortfilmfest.com. 

Check it out!