99 MINUTES OF SHORTS Speed for Thespians by Kalman Apple USA 2000, 29 minutes, colour.

Anton Chekhov's drama, The Bear, is performed in an unusual setting, taking the audience on a journey. En route, the film explores love and the roles of men and women, juxtaposes 19th century dialogue against 21st century surroundings, and begs the question, "Is this really an off-Broadway play or a slice of city life?'' Duel Duel by Philippe Mach France 2000, 19 minutes, colour. French with English subtitles.

Fantasy and reality blur when a man and a woman meet accidentally and then become entangled in a psychological game that frightens and excites them both.

House by the Sea by Janne Ketola UK 2000, 17 minutes, colour.

An evocative mystery and surreal exploration of the relationship between film and audience.

Moon & Mann by Paul Quarrington Canada 2000, 26 minutes, colour.

Llewellyn Moon, a gruff, alcoholic poet, and Anne Mann, a rather conventional publicist, are thrown together for a simple book tour. It turns into an exploration of life, love, death and the power of language.

SHORTS PRECEDING FEATURE LENGTH FILMS Stanley (director, Suzie Templeton, UK, 7 mins.) While his frustrated wife wreaks violence and death in the kitchen, Stanley finds life and love in his barren back yard.

The Right Hook (director, Luke Greenfield, USA, 12 mins.) Bruno is a born loser. The only thing Bruno could pick up in a singles' bar is the check! Until now. A 12-minute brawl of hilarity.

The Fiver Thing (director, Simon Ellis, US, 7 mins.) When friendship is mixed with money, the result is a strange brew.

The Television (director, Marc-Olivier Picron, France, 12 mins.) A middle-aged couple spend New Year's Eve at home in front of the television.

It is an unremarkable holiday until the husband finds his reality inextricably linked to the tube.

Tex, the Passive-Aggressive Gunslinger (director, Brian Sawyer, USA, 9 mins.) The classic western film genre takes a comedic turn thanks to Tex, a gunslinger who never has to remove his gun from its holster because he defeats opponents with his neurotic behaviour. An accomplished cast is featured.

Down A Dark Chimney (director, Brian McPhail, Canada, 10 mins.) It's 1939 and the Second World War has begun. Even Christmas is shattered when Santa and his reindeer leave the North Pole, falling into the hands of Nazi soldiers.

Taxi (director, Neil Thompson, UK, 10 mins.) An urban tale of mystery and suspense that has a message: Not every taxi is a mobile safe-haven! The Shave (director, Ravi Kumar, UK, 8 mins.) A father who happens to be a big, burly barber has the upper hand with his daughter's suitors, especially when they're also his customers. Unnervingly comic.

Telling Lies (director, Simon Ellis, UK, 4 mins.) Little white lies. Big black lies. Shades of meaning. The words we say don't always reflect what's on our minds.

Undone (director, Kandeyce Jorden, USA, 15 mins.) Nighttime in Los Angeles provides cover for dark behaviour that never sees the light of day.

Molehill (director, Denton E. Williams, Bermuda, 5 mins.) Odd couple on a park bench.

By Courier (director, Peter Riegert, USA, 13 mins.) When two lovers about to part, no longer speak directly to one another, a tough-talking young boy is called upon to act as their courier. He is an eloquent messenger, getting straight to the heart of the matter. Based on the story by O. Henry.

Last Request (director, Tom Hodges, USA, 17 mins.) A hitman and his intended victim are in the middle of nowhere. The victim literally digs his own grave while trying to talk his way out of being shot, but will the hitman listen to his last request?