Our Picks

5. DC SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL

[MOVIES] More than 100 short films from eight countries will be screened at this fifth annual event. Keep an eye out for "Capture Claus," in which a young boy tries to prove the existence of Santa Claus by tying him up in his home. There's also "The Bad News Bearer," about a man who delivers bad news so others don't have to. With most of the films clocking in at under 10 minutes, the best part is that if you like what you've seen, you'll want more; if not, well, you haven't wasted that much time.

Opens Thursday. Through Sept. 18. Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. 202-452-7672. $12.

-- Sunday Source staff

Critics' Choice

WITHOUT YOU I'M NOTHING

[ON STAGE] A little 'tude with your evening entertainment? Sandra Bernhard's will no doubt fill every nook and cranny of Theater J's Goldman Theater. The show that launched her career as a witheringly funny solo artist begins a month-long engagement there this week.

-- Peter Marks

Opens Tuesday. Through Sept. 28. D.C. Jewish Community Center, Goldman Theater, 1529 16th St. NW. 800-494-8497. $25-$60.

BILL VIOLA

[LECTURE] Pioneering video artist Bill Viola inaugurates the Smithsonian American Art Museum's annual talks. Over 35 years, Viola has produced countless striking images and installations, many suffused with Buddhism, Sufism and Christian mysticism. The museum's three-part lecture series continues with scholar John Wilmerding in October and critic Michael Kimmelman in November.

-- Jessica Dawson

Wednesday at 7 p.m. Smithsonian American Art Museum, McEvoy Auditorium, Eighth and F streets NW. 202-633-7970. FREE tickets distributed at the museum at 6 p.m.