Shorts International's latest SHORTS release showcases 16 from the American Film Institute's prestigious Conservatory short film library.

Shorts International today released 16 short films from graduates of the AFI Conservatory for purchase and download at the iTunes Store. This groundbreaking move brings the hidden gems of the AFI short film catalogue to the public.
“These are incredible films,” said Carter Pilcher, CEO of Shorts International, “when you watch them you’ll be amazed that you haven’t seen them until now. These AFI films are huge.”

“The talent in these short films is remarkable, iTunes offer short films the perfect home in today’s entertainment environment.” Jonathan Estrin, Executive Vice President, AFI.

The 16 short films selected to appear in this special release represent some of the best short films ever to come out of the AFI Conservatory-the renowned filmmaker training program of the American Film Institute:

MY MOTHER DREAMS THE SATAN'S DISCIPLES IN NEW YORK

Directed by Barbara Schock
Winner of the 1999 Academy Award – Best Live Action Short Film. A widowed housewife travels to the Big City for the first time to visit her daughter. Once there, she becomes obsessed with the Hell's Angels-ish bikers' club across the street. A great story. Features Mickey Jones (HOME IMPROVEMENT).

FAMILY ATTRACTION

Directed by Brian Hecker

The "Nuclear Family" exhibit at The National Zoo attracts crowds to observe this dying phenomenon. But can this endangered species survive the confines of captivity? Stars the late Chris Penn and Martin Sheen.

UGLY

Directed by Moon Unit Zappa

Moon Unit Zappa's directorial debut. Gwen is a lonely single mother with an unusual passion for knitting. When photography student Kirk asks if he can photograph Gwen in her home, what will she do? A charming story of love, loss and true happiness. Music by Matchbox Twenty's Paul Doucette.

THE LAST FULL MEASURE

Directed by Alexandra Kerry
For nine-year-old Katherine Barnes her father's return from war in Vietnam is a much-anticipated homecoming. But as she tries to coax her father back into the world he left behind, Katherine discovers that her family is irrevocably altered. Deep. Meaningful. Poignant. Directed by Alexandra Kerry, daughter of former Presidential candidate, John Kerry.

CHILI CON CARNE CLUB

Directed by Jonathan Kahn

When Pete Connely is dumped by his girlfriend, he is sentenced to a surrealistic, male-bonding prison known as The Chili Con Carne Club… Hilarious! Stars Mel Gibson (LETHAL WEAPON, WHAT WOMEN WANT, GALLIPOLI), Kristy Swanson (DUDE WHERE'S MY CAR?), John Philbin (POINT BREAK) and Andrew Dice Clay.

MARILYN HOTCHKISS' BALLROOM DANCING AND CHARM SCHOOL

Directed by Randall Miller
Narrated by Academy Award Winner William Hurt (HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, SYRIANA, THE VILLAGE, CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD) and starring Eldon Henson (THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT, THE MIGHTY, DUMB AND DUMBERER, LORDS OF DOGTOWN). What could be worse than having your baseball glove stolen?… Chinese water torture?… the earth spinning off its axis and careening into Mars? None of those. Being enrolled in Marilyn Hotchkiss' dance program! This charming short inspired the full-length movie of the same name and includes flashback scenes taken from this short film.

KING'S ECHO

Directed by Haim Silberstein

Who is conning whom? Jack King-once a promising Harvard law student-now serves drinks at a gentlemen's alumni club. A broken man, he recounts his tragic story to one of the club's patrons, Mr. Hawkins (John Savage, DEER HUNTER, HAIR). Jack tells of a sexy femme fatale, who seduced him into a life of petty crime, merely to satisfy her sadistic lusts. His story falls apart when she enters the club – catching him by surprise. The game is on. Will you figure it out?

THE CAR KID

Directed by Tricia Brock

Featuring Meat Loaf. Stars James Franco (SPIDERMAN), Brad Renfro. A guitar playing boy from a local correctional facility is taken to perform for the local church group where he discovers "The Car Kid" – a gifted piano player. A story of great talent and true friendship.

JONAH

Directed by Adam Penn

Jonah, a 15 year old misanthrope without friends and a mom who is hopelessly stuck in the 80's, escapes his monotony by going to a classmate's party and meets someone that special someone. A funny and moving coming of age tale, with a real twist. Starring Linda Hamilton (in a role that could not be more different from Sarah Connor) and Shane Hunter as Jonah.

JUST FOR A LAUGH
Directed by Jeffrey Lengyel
An unseen treasure: Robin Williams' screen debut. A once successful comedian, who hasn't performed in many years, is talked into returning to the stage again by an old friend. His anxiety mounts as he tries to put together an act, and reaches its peak as he walks onto the stage. Features Stella Stevens, Robin Williams and Andy Kaufman. Aired once in 1982 otherwise never seen due to music clearances.

FLIRTING WITH DEATH

Directed by Matt Clements

You never know where you're going to find love. Could Mort Alvinson find it in the Angel of Death? Unfortunately, it's her job to kill him. Great film.

JOHN
Directed by Marni Banack

A heartwarming tale of a long serving men's room attendant in a local restaurant. His job may be in jeopardy, but not all is as it seems.

THE MONSTER AND THE PEANUT

Directed by Franklin jin Rho
Bo Hunzinger, a former physics professor on the edge of a nervous breakdown, has barricaded himself into an abandoned warehouse where he obsessively searches for mathematical calculations that will conquer traffic jams… and the provide the key to the greatest mystery of his life. With Anne Ramsay (SIX FEET UNDER, THE L WORD, RELATED, MAD ABOUT YOU). Winner of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation College Television Awards. Gripping. Heart-wrenching.

NATURAL SELECTION

Directed by Scott Leberecht

In the city of L.A. 2097, outlaw genetic engineering has transformed the streets into a battleground between those who protect nature and those who exploit it. Angelo and his father are fighting to save innocent wildlife from evil gene poachers. Starring Lee Arenberg, (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN I, II, III)

MY BACKYARD WAS A MOUNTAIN

Directed by Adam Schlachter

Ten-year-old Adan lives a carefree life in a rural town in 1950s Puerto Rico. When his father returns from New York City bringing good news that he has found work and will be moving the family, Adan must find a new home for his beloved pet, Chivo. Aided by his friend Denise, Adan discovers his first love… A compelling, personal story.

THE LAST ATTACK OF THE BEAST

Directed by Gerardo Naranjo

Moses, an old bum arrives at a small town. Silence. Nobody around. Signs of life but no human presence, as if the town were recently deserted. Moses gets scared and runs looking for somebody… nothing…just dogs. After a few drinks in the bar Moses realizes he is free to do anything. Moses fulfils his wildest fantasies. The townspeople observe him from a nearby hill. They try to warn him of the immanent danger. Moses is too busy in his destructive game.