Aspen Shortsfest announces 2021 program

Aspen Film announced the program for its 30th annual Aspen Shortsfest on Monday. All-virtual for the second year in a row due to the novel coronavirus pandemic public health restrictions, the Oscar-qualifying festival will feature 80 short films online in 11 programs from April 6 to 11 through the digital platform Eventive.

“We are so proud to be presenting another incredible roster of films from around the globe for this year’s Shortsfest,” Aspen Film executive and artistic director Susan Wrubel said in an announcement. “While we are disappointed not to be able to traditionally hold our 30th anniversary at the historic Wheeler Opera House, this year we are presenting an exciting line up of interactive virtual events.”

The 80 announced titles include an eclectic mix of animation, comedy, documentary, drama and “short short,” made by a mix of filmmakers crossing the spectrum from students to established movie stars. The latter includes “David,” starring Will Ferrell in a short written and directed by “Silicon Valley” alum Zachary Woods; “Roborovski,” starring Dylan McDermott and co-directed by Oscar-nominated actor Dev Patel; “Silverstone” directed by and starring “Ray Donovan” actor Kerris Dorsey; and “The Price of Cheap Rent” starring “Daily Show” alum Wyatt Cenac.

Though the pandemic largely shut down film production and theatrical distribution, Shortsfest received about 3,000…