THE Canberra Short Film Festival turns 18 this weekend with a big finale on Sunday, September 15.

This year’s competition has attracted more than 100 films from overseas and, says director Simon Weaving, “the national finalists are an extraordinary collection of films”. Many, he says, will showcase the next generation of Australian directors. After running on Friday and Saturday, the festival winds up with a closing event featuring the “Best of the Best”, some surprise films, a short awards ceremony and a long party.

The 18th CSFF, Dendy Cinemas, full program at csff.com.au and bookings to 6221 8900 or dendy.com.au/Promotion/Canberra-Short-Film-Festival-2013

TO mark the Chinese Moon Festival, the Chinese Conservatory Orchestra, which blends folk and opera, will perform at Llewellyn Hall on September 17. Bookings to 132 849 or ticketek.com.au

CONGRATULATIONS to Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre and Bradley Allen Love Lawyers, who won the SME Award at the 2013 Creative Partnerships Australia Awards function held last week in Sydney.

MATT Withers and Bradley Kunda, of Brew Guitar Duo, have just performed the world premiere of Kunda’s new composition, “Green Cauldron”, with William Barton, Anthony Garcia and Teije Hylkema, at the Tyalgum Festival of Classical Music in north eastern NSW. Commissioned by the festival with help from ArtsNSW, it was written for two classical guitars, 12-string guitar, cello and didgeridoo.

“LUMINESCENCE” is the newly-formed chamber choir led by Daniel Brinsmead. Its debut of music “inspired by the night with songs of stars, seduction and sleep” will be part of Wesley Music Centre’s “Wednesday Lunchtime Live” series, 12.40pm-1.20pm, on September 18. Paper note entry or concession $2. No bookings.

MARY French tells us that the ACT Storytellers Guild and the Spence Community Choir will present “September Stories”, an evening of stories and songs at NationsHeart Christian Community Centre, 27 Rae Street, Belconnen, 7pm-10pm, on September 20. Tickets at the door.

QUEANBEYAN Art Society is gearing up for its sixth annual Charity Fine Art Show, to be exhibited in City Walk, Civic, from 12.15pm, September 21-September 29. All welcome.

ENTRIES from local artists over the age of 25 to the Tuggeranong Arts Centre Capital Chemist Art Award are due in by October 1. As well as the main prize of $2000, this year Capital Chemist will sponsor an additional $500 award for a Centenary-themed art work and Aarwun Gallery will offer a $250 voucher in the People’s Choice Award. The presentations will take place in the centre’s newly refurbished exhibition spaces. Entry details from narelle.phillips@tuggeranongarts.com.au

THE “sold out” signs are up already for the Imperial Russian Ballet Company’s three-hour extravaganza, “A Festival of Russian Ballet”, at the Playhouse, on September 17-19. Optimists can try for cancellations at 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre.com.au