A total of 636 international submissions have been whittled down to 26 short films that will be judged at the Bermuda International Film Festival (BIFF).

These will be screened in groups of “Happy Hour Shorts” along with independent “long” films from May 1 to 5, culminating in an award party on May 6.

“BIFF is working diligently and fervently to ensure that the 20th will be the best and most memorable Bermuda International Film Festival,” event manager and local artistic director Nicky Gurret stated. “This year’s 20th anniversary contains much depth and substance.”

The festival will open with a retrospective short film on the past 20 years at 5pm on May 1. The first day will also feature two independent films.

“A Carib FilmFest will be featured on Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, will feature ‘BerMovies’ Day with a selection of diversified Bermuda movies,” Ms Gurret added.

“BIFF also sponsors other programmes to involve the entire Bermuda community such as The BIFF Academy, which includes the “Books to Film” and “Reel to Real”, which will take place each morning of the festival from May 2 to 5.”

Films will be viewed in the Earl Cameron Theatre and there will be a film makers’ lounge during the day at the Bermuda Society of Arts and a VIP Lounge in the Bermuda National Gallery each evening.

• For more information, visit the BIFF Facebook page for updates and www.biff.bm. Tickets will go on sale next week through ptix.bm