Among the many films that were entered into this year's festival, and among those that screened, it seems that the relationship between nationality and film has become a topic of discussion. The festival does, of course, have guidelines for what films can be entered into the festival, and how they are classified once they are programmed. But if nationality were assigned to each film, what would that mean? For example, if a Japanese filmmaker makes a film in the U.S. in which the dialogue is in English, is that film a 'Japan Short Short,' or is it an 'American Short Short'? For artists, of course, the most important thing is the quality of their work, and the idea of their work having a nationality is probably a secondary notion. We asked filmmakers attending this year's festival to give us their thoughts and opinions on this topic.

Christina Hadjicharalambous, "Trip to Venice" "Although I'm Greek, I think that this film is essentially a Czech film. I also think that all films contain a filmmakers' way of thinking, their country's image. But I think a lot also depends on a film's theme, for example, if it's a love story, what goes on between the lovers doesn't necessarily reflect their nationalities. And sometimes, when it doesn't reflect a specific nationality, its meaning as a film in a way becomes greater." Adam Rubin, "The Cricket Player" "Personally, I feel that films reflect more a person's life experiences more than a person's nationality. I was born in South Africa and mostly raised in the U.S. but I also lived and studied for a few years in Paris. So when I make films, I think they will always include aspects of cultures or countries that I've been to and where I've had some kind of significant, meaningful experience. Nationality is important, but I believe that life experience is more significant in shaping a person's character." James Allen, "Judge is God" "About three years ago, I met a Japanese person and as I got to know them, I became increasingly aware of the similarities between us. We both come from island nations, from countries with deep cultural traditions and customs that (non-English or non-Japanese) don't always understand. And because of those similarities, I think, there are naturally similarities in character. It's all very interesting, I think." Salamo Levin, "Black People Hate Me and They Hate My Glasses" "I think there's a very strong relationship between the two in almost any film. If you look at my film, you instantly feel New York coming out at you. Just from the colors of the city. New York is a very colorful city. That's a stark contrast to Los Angeles, which I don't think is very colorful. Now, I don't think that this film couldn't have been shot in another location, but, I learned how to make films in New York, and Woody Allen (as well as other directors well-known for their New York stories) has always been a big influence on me as a director. The surroundings in New York are very influential, and it's only natural that they come out in the story. I think that's one of the reasons why so many directors like to film in New York." Leanna Creel, "Offside" "I don't think you have to make films that are strictly from your own culture, or your own experiences. Take director Ang Lee, for example. He's Chinese-American, and he directed "Sense and Sensibility" (a film based on Jane Austen's novel), and he did a wonderful job, capturing the English culture and characters so well. So, I don't think you have to make films that are strictly focused on your own culture. At the same time, I can't overlook my own background, which is something I wouldn't do anyway."