Just in time for the Oscar’s USCB Center for the Arts is showing the Oscar nominations for short films in the live action category. Join other film lovers on Thursday, February 7 at 7:15 p.m. for the following Oscar contenders:

<b>ASAD: 18 minutes</b>

Synopsis: Set in a war-torn fishing village in Somalia, an all-Somali, refugee cast brings to life this coming of age fable of a Somali boy who is faced with falling into the pirate life, or rising above to choose the path of an honest fishing man.

<b>BUZKASHI BOYS: 28 minutes</b>

Synopsis: Set against the dramatic landscape of contemporary Afghanistan and the National sport of Buzkashi — a brutal game of horse polo played with a dead goat — Buzkashi Boys tells the coming of age story of two best friends, a charismatic street urchin and a defiant blacksmith’s son, who struggle to realize their dreams as they make their way to manhood in one of the most war-torn countries on Earth. Shot on location in Kabul city by an alliance of Afghan and international film makers, Buzkashi Boys is a look at the life that continues beyond the headlines of war in Afghanistan.

<b>CURFEW: 19 minutes</b>

Synopsis: At the lowest point of his life, Richie gets a call from his estranged sister, asking him to look after his 9-year old niece, Sophia, for the evening.

<b>DEATH OF A SHADOW: 20 minutes</b>

Synopsis: Soldier Nathan died during World War I. A strange collector imprisoned his shadow and gave him a new chance: a second life against 10,000 captured shadows. It is love that guides him, as his purpose is to meet Sarah again, the woman he fell in love with before he died. But then he discovers that she’s already in love with someone else, jealousy clouds his mind and pushes him towards a bitter decision, not without consequences.

<b>HENRY: 21 minutes</b>

Synopsis: Henry, a great concert pianist, has his life thrown in turmoil the day the love of this life, Maria, disappears mysteriously. He’ll then discover the inevitable verdict of life.

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Also at the showing, preview the local film “Rachael’s Playdate” at 7 p.m., written by Beaufort’s Brandon Sligh, and directed by Brandon Sligh and Rob Lewis.  “Rachael’s Playdate,” part of the 2012  Savannah 48 hour film project, was awarded Best Editing, Best Use of Prop, and Best Choreography. The film was the only entry from Beaufort, (and the only entry from South Carolina) in last year’s festival. It features the talent of local performers Campbell Dukes, Gail Westerfield, and Robert McFee.

The 48 Hour Film Project occurs every year in multiple cities around the world. Teams get their genre on Friday night, and have 48 hours to write, cast, shoot and edit their movies. Teams must also include a specific prop, a line of dialogue, and a character.

An opening art reception for Deanna Bowdish and Terry Brennan’s “Journey” exhibit will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door or in advance: Adult $7, Senior $6, Student $5.  Box office 843-521-4145 or www.uscbcenterforthearts.com.
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