There is no one way to break into the movie business. But one of the most dependable routes for decades has been to make a short film, submit it to festivals, and then hope someone with money or power ...

The prevailing wisdom is this: don’t do it. “It’s insane,” they’ll say. “A waste of money and time and resources,” they’ll whisper. Don’t make that short film. Don’t go to film festivals. Don’t pour ...