HypeFest: Short and Sweet

There may be a new film festival popping up in just about every resort city in the U.S. – and then some non-tourist traps like Trenton, NJ or East Lansing, MI – but few can say that a band like Camper Van Beethoven stopped in to play at their first confab. That’s what’s special about Hollywood’s HypeFest, in addition to the idea that it’s about the art and artistry of shorts – films, music videos and commercials – nothing over 25 minutes. Now entering the third year of its short history, HypeFest is really a place to network, meet with mentors (in a unique 15-minute one-on-one session) and see screenings, says co-director Jessie Nagel. "We wanted people to look at all these areas as art and really start to look at the narrative and imagery over a more or less even playing field." Call for entries is on now through April 1 at www.hypefest.com. The festival happens July 29-31.