Stepping Out

Little films hit it big

The Short Film Concert returns to the Madison Theatre

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Short films are having their moment. Some of the best will be screened on Friday, April 28, in Rockville Centre, when the latest edition of Asbury Shorts’ “Short Film Concert” makes its way to Long Island.
This national touring showcase of award-winning — and future award-winning films — presented by Asbury Shorts, New York City’s longest running short film exhibition gives audiences the opportunity to see these little gems in a real theater format on a big screen.
“It’s our sixth year hosting this concert and we have certainly become the concert’s Long Island home,” says Angelo Fraboni, the Madison Theatre’s artistic director. “I love film and this is something we want to continue to do here. We think this is a great venue for that and our patrons enjoy it. These are the best films that people don’t see. They are quick, witty, fun, and heart-wrenching.”
Now firmly entrenched on the Madison Theatre’s schedule, the event has a loyal following, here, and nationwide.
“We did 33 total shows in 2016,” says Doug LeClaire, director and founder of Asbury Shorts. “That’s a record year for Asbury. It means we are succeeding in our mission, which is to get indie shorts out to people who don’t normally go to film festivals.”

That is why he insists on referring to his showcase of films as a “concert” instead of “festival.”
“We are not a festival, since this is not a competitive event,” he explains. “We combine shorts from past screenings with current film festival winners and first-time filmmakers. We are more of an entertainment event, kind of like the classic rock show of film festivals. We are giving life to filmmaker’s projects, some of which were completed seven to 10 years ago. So it’s a mix of old hits and new hits, just like a concert. If you don’t like a certain film, hang on and you’ll like the next one.”
The mix of films is designed to entertain across the genres — comedy, drama and animation (with the occasional documentary making an appearance) — from prominent directors along with up-and-coming filmmakers.
“Some of the great directors have come from short films,” notes Fraboni. “There aren’t a lot of avenues for these films to get played. We’re pleased to provide the venue to show these filmmakers’ works.”
Asbury Shorts had its start in 1981 (on Asbury Avenue in Westbury), with Doug LeClaire, who was then a recent graduate of New York Institute of Technology, as a showcase of student-produced shorts from local colleges.
“A bunch of us decided that college films needed to be seen. From that first screening it grew and grew. It became an annual thing and much anticipated,” recalls LeClaire. “In 1987 we took it to New York City and did it once a year until we were invited to London in 1999. It was a huge success and from there it grew into what is today. It’s been a labor of love for those of us who work in the film business in New York. Our show is like a trip to the best film festivals in the world where you sample the elite of the short film genre but without
competition.”
LeClaire, who was a commercial producer for over two decades, has been passionate about short films since his student days, and now devotes most of his time to producing his touring film showcase throughout the U.S.
“Our number one priority is the enjoyment of our audience,” he says. “We’re proud to provide an outlet for the filmmakers’ product. For us, it is all about the theatrical experience, showing these films to an audience. “We give them the opportunity to experience great films on a big screen the way they were meant to be seen.”
LeClaire is always eager to share these films with his Long Island audience. “Because it was born on Long Island, this is such a special show for us,” he says. “The folks at the Madison Theatre have been very kind and supportive of us. We are grateful to them that they continue to support this kind of an event.”
All films are 20 minutes or less in length. Or as Fraboni puts it: “By the time you think it’s getting long, it’s over. “
The program features selections that have won honors on the film festival circuit and, of course, Academy Award-nominated titles. “Of course we hope they all will enthrall audiences,” says LeClaire. “But if you don’t like a certain one, then you’ll probably like the next one. It’s all about the flow; it’s got to make sense in two acts. And we always end with something funny and poignant, it’s a nice capper before closing the curtain.”
This year’s edition is a mix of old and new hits from the festival circuit, along with one of LeClaire’s favorites, pulled from the Asbury archives: “The Lunch Date,” a 1990 Oscar winner for Best Live Action Short.
Directed by Adam Davidson, who was a Columbia University student at the time and is now a prolific television director of many acclaimed series, including “Fear the Walking Dead and “Hell on Wheels,” the film tells the story of a wealthy woman hurrying to catch a train and the people she encounters in the station. Shot entirely in Grand Central Station, “it’s a cool little story and we are thrilled to bring it back,” says LeClaire.
Debra Monk, who most recently portrayed Betty on Amazon’s hit series “Mozart in the Jungle,” is the evening’s host. She also appears on the screen in “Reaching Home,” new drama from filmmaker Kenneth Murphy. Monk stars as a recent widow who must make some tough family decisions while dealing with her grief. “It’s a strong film about family conflict,” says LeClaire, a combination of a good story and a great ensemble cast. It was produced well. A great job all around.”
“We are thrilled to have a talent like Debra here,” adds Fraboni. “She such a versatile actress and it’s great to have her grace our stage.”
Another selection, “Strain,” from Los Angeles-based independent filmmaker Reynier Molenaar is a new sci fi short, fresh off the festival scene. An eerie look at the last days of mankind, “Strain” follows two survivors of the zombie apocalypse who must travel across an abandoned L.A. to deliver important biological samples.
“Molenaar is a great technical director who has created a fascinating apocalyptic vision,” says LeClaire.
He also touts “Drawcard,” an Australian film by Antonio Orena Barlin, which tells the story of an office prank gone terribly awry. “It’s a brilliant comedy, all seven minutes of it, that is perfect for our show.”
Of course, there’s plenty more that LeClaire won’t reveal. “An Asbury show is unpredictable,” he proclaims. That could even mean that there might even be some “surprises” thrown in at the last minute, often in response to audience requests. “You’ll just have to come and see for yourself,” he says.

Short Film Concert
When: Friday, April 28, 7:30 p.m. $15.
Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave.,
Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or www.madisontheatreny.org.