Reeling in films from around the world

If you really concentrate, this dandelion might turn to dust.

If you really concentrate, this dandelion might turn to dust.

Mention Nevada City and usually gold rush history or outdoor adventures come to mind. But at the ninth annual Nevada City Film Festival beginning August 20, film will be on the brain. More than 30 shorts will be screened, happy hours will be had and after parties will celebrate four days of cinema goodness. And don’t think that because the festival’s in a small town the films will be cut-and-paste concoctions shot on iPhones. Independent filmmakers from all over the world submit their work for this prestigious fest in the foothills, including movies featuring well-known stars. Like Dandelion Dust, which will be screened opening night, features Academy Award-winner Mira Sorvino. There also will be comedy shorts, animated flicks, celebrity shorts and “6 Films to Change Your World,” featuring short films that hope to entertain and enlighten viewers about the world.