shnit International 2012 celebrates the art of short films

Selected from a record 6 000 entries from over 100 countries, this year's more than 200 film programme includes the shnit-OPEN international competition, in which 64 films compete for four international jury and audience awards - the newly redesigned Flaming Faun trophy - and prize money totalling over R1 million. Genre is trivial - the only criteria are that a film is contemporary, cutting edge and stand-out in terms of quality. This year shnit's time limits is expanded to 40min for the first time.

And naturally, the best in South African shorts take centre-stage every night. This year sees the MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA award category double in size and as always the out-of-competition KAAPSE BOBOTIE programme will ensure that shnit in Cape Town has a truly local flavour. For the third time, shnit returns to The Labia on Orange. Spilling out of the cinema doors, a weekend-long space for collaboration, creation and meeting between filmmakers, artists and audiences from all walks of life.

Also screened in Stellenbosch

And shnit extends its reach outside of inner city limits even further this year - we plant roots in Stellenbosch, at Pulp Cinema in the Neelsie building, and upstairs at 5 Ryneveld with Cinemuse, presenting a packed line-up over three screens. Continuing our residency at 49m Rocking the Daisies festival, proudly presented this year by Pringles, shnit will again run 24 hours a day all weekend long in our Golden Era cinema tent.

The main course consists of the international competition shnit OPEN, rewarding outstanding films from all over the world. It tells us of life's little pleasures and provides insights into other culture's joys and tribulations. The national competitions presents creations of domestic talents questioning our own cultural identity as well as enjoying familiar stereotypes.

This year sees the return of the REAL TIME competition. Five homegrown filmmakers - five homegrown films. All drawn from one common theme, with infinite interpretations. Each completed in three days over the course of the festival weekend in collaboration with some of Cape Town's top creative artists and in partnership with some of Cape Town's premiere industry facilities. Five masterpieces will première at Sunday's Awards Night, where the audience chooses its winner, in real time.

For general information, email gro.tinhs.az@ofni, or go to www.shnit.org.