"It's phenomenal" are the first words out of Nicholas Mason's mouth when asked about the Manhattan Short Film Festival.

Of course, he may be a little biased. Mason is the creator of the touring festival, which has spread across the country and is coming to the East Valley this weekend.

The festival, which the Australian native dreamed up in 1998, has grown — from films projected onto the side of a truck on a street in New York City to being shown at 54 venues across the United States.

But the inspiration — "to find a great filmmaker and story and just get out there and do it" — has remained the same, according to Mason.

"We're trying to get away from the studios, because there are just too many variables and (the film) ends up not happening," he says. "This is inspiring more people to get out, make a film and have fun."

The festival will feature 12 finalists that have been chosen from more than 500 entries from 30 countries.

Every person who attends will vote for his or her favorite film. The winner of the festival will be announced Sept. 25 and will be given the opportunity to create a feature-length film without the corporate constraints of studios.

In the past, celebrities have served as the judges, but this year about 25,000 people are expected to view and vote on the films.

"This is a great wave for the cinema to have the public be a part and change someone's life," Mason says, "because they are the ones who make a difference."

Manhattan Short Film Festival
When: 7:15 p.m. Friday, 4 and 7:15 p.m. Saturday
Where: Harkins Valley Art, 509 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
How much: $5 to $8
Info: www.msfilmfest.com