Have we got some Shnit for you. 5-9 October Cape Town will play host to the biggest international shortfilmfestival in existence, with simultaneous screenings taking place in three continents around the globe. Here’s a bit for Shnit for you to think about.

Aside from being the most exciting film festival of the year, we’re giving four lucky readers the opportunity to claim themselves a weekend pass which gets them into all the parties, masterclasses and of course the main screenings. Read on to find out what you need to do to win.

The Shnit International shortfilmfestival has always been more than your average film festival incorporating workshops, public film forums, special programs and of course the international competition. Founded in 2003 as ‘shnit Kurzfilmnächte’ the festival had it’s home in Berne, Switzerland which still functions as the main hub for the international open competition and festival in earnest. Since then it has grown to over six locations around the world including Cologne, San Jose, Vienna, Singapore and of course Cape Town; with over 15 000 in attendance it’s the biggest global film festival of it’s kind.

Now in it’s ninth edition, this year’s Shnit sees 4000 quality entries from over 100 countries all flashing before audiences from three continents, truly a global movement. Returning to Cape Town for it’s second year to build upon the success demonstrated previously, the South African specific features in this international film festival truly give us all something to rally behind. With a ‘Made in South Africa’ competition taking place alongside the out of competition ‘Kaapse Bobotie’ programme, which showcases talented local directors every night of the festival, as well as exciting ‘Realtime’ productions made specifically for Shnit Cape Town audiences, there’s more than enough local flavour to chew on in this multinational event.

This year’s main international competition, dubbed the ‘international Shnit Open’ features 75 global films including entries from South Africa with audience and jury awards totalling more than R340 000. Among other features are the ‘A Real Treat’ screenings which plays like the classics of Shnit’s previous entries with crowd favourites and critically acclaimed great on show. ‘Out of Curiousity’ and ‘For Special Interest’ provide the best in outsider and alternative short films for those with a bit more bite in their taste.

The ‘Realtime’ productions will be three different production collectives all conceptualizing and producing a short film from scratch based on a singular inspiration to set them up. Beyond that the Shnit Shortfilmfestival also provides cinephile playgrounds with it’s ‘Extended’ range of workshops, parties and other features to be host all over Cape Town. Rocking the Daisies will have a 24 hour tent running Shnit shorts, while The Grand Daddy Hotel provides the pulpit for masterclasses and much more. 95 on Hout is the venue for the underground crowd looking for the alternative nature of short films.

The Labia is the host of the festival screenings in earnest and will also provide the finale of the festival including the premiere of the ‘Realtime’ productions to their audiences and of course the announcement of the winners. With parties, art, music, film and much more promised, this year will truly establish Cape Town as the Mother Shnitty and perhaps the most desirable location to participate in the Shnit International shortfilmfestival.

To claim one of four weekend passes, simply name 2 of the 6 locations Shnit is globally taking place. in the comments section below. It’s that simple. Winners to be announced on Tuesday the 4th of October with the winners being invited to the opening night on the 5th at 19:30 to claim their weekend passes.