The 2nd Annual High Desert Shorts International Film Festival takes place the same weekend as the Wild West Extravaganza but the event times in regards to entertainment have been staggered so festival goers can do it all.

Linda Kass, founder of the HDSIIF, has collaborated with the Pahrump Arts Council in order to succeed in making this venue bigger and better than last year. Along with the regular schedule of events, something new for adults and something exciting for the younger set have been added to the weekend schedule.

The opening event for the film festival is a progressive dinner. Revelers will board a chartered bus at the Nugget on Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m. sharp, and take a short road trip to the Pahrump Valley Winery. While traveling, an award winning short film will be shown on the screen-equipped bus.

At the winery, ticket holders will enjoy free-flowing wine and appetizers as only the winery can provide. For amusement, the comedy show with magician and funny man, "The Hilarious Host of Las Vegas", Jeff Hobson, is going to be presented on location and party-goers should be diligent. Although they are always returned, as a part of his show, Hobson can be slick when it comes to removing guest wristwatches. On the return to the Nugget for the second part of dinner, another award winning short film will be shown.

As part of the VIP treatment, ticket holders will embark onto a red carpet at the Nugget and proceed to the events center, donated by the Nugget for this event, where dinner and yet another show is waiting. From the moment they arrive, guests for the murder mystery dinner theater will be greeted by the actors already in character and costume for the presentation of "Lethal Libations" by Jay Joseph's, Touch of Mystery group from Las Vegas.

The actors will mingle with guests as they are seated at "team" tables and begin dropping clues and causing scenes. When the Inspector, played by Jay Joseph, takes the stage, a "no one is to leave the room" order is issued. Facts, clues and questioning engage the audience before the dinner buffet is served and a question and answer segment follows dinner. It will be up to the teams to ask the right questions and come to the correct conclusion. The winning team/s will be awarded a prize at the end of the evening.

Seating is limited for the all inclusive VIP package and the cost is $75. The pass allows participation in all events all weekend with no additional fees. Groups of five or more can get a $25 discount per person on VIP ticket packages. Tickets for the murder mystery dinner theater only, are $35. Tickets are available in advance at the Chamber of Commerce during business hours and at the Pahrump Arts Council office located at 2340 E. Calvada Blvd., on Mondays and Thursdays only.

New too, is a day devoted entirely to students. Sept. 28, the students from the Nye County School District, Sandy Valley Middle and High Schools and those being home schooled are invited to attend one of two sessions created especially for them. Lee and Anita Lanier, co-founders of the Dam Short Film Festival in Boulder City, are providing a program of original animated short films.

Kass said, "The school organizations are excited to take advantage of this opportunity for the students. We'll show films, yes-but we also have industry professionals and celebrities that will be here to answer all their questions."

Local writer and director, Dana Mennie and his producer wife, Julie Snider and producer, Melanie Capacia, have invited the cast from the feature film "Bad Moon Rising" to join the sessions and participate on the panel for the film festival. "Bad Moon Rising" is scheduled to begin filming next year in Pahrump.

Celebrities that will be in town for the student sessions and for the entire weekend include Dee Wallace from "E.T.", Dominique Swain of "Lolita" and Chris DiVecchio from "Foul Shot".

The Friday event scheduled for 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., is free to students and their chaperones. It is open to the public as well and tickets are $5.

The High Desert Shorts International Film Festival will open on Thursday with an informal reception for the public to meet the film makers, and competition will continue through the weekend. Tickets are $5 for each event. The cash awards, donated by Saitta-Trudeau, the numbered, limited edition commemorative posters and the "LULU" (custom designed trophy) will be presented Saturday evening. Sunday is a visual showcase of the winning films.