In keeping with Web culture, they are cheap for both parties: While they save viewers the expense of movie tickets, filmmakers benefit by using mainly digital technology instead of costlier equipment. And, as is characteristic of the Internet, most of these films are suited to those who want a quick diversion from the drudgery of everyday life. So they are mainly humorous spoofs. They can also give you a taste of different genres and cultures, many of which were not popular before.

So whenever you want to watch a short film, the following sites will give you a private screening:

IFilm:
Arguably one of the best sites, and certainly one of the most comprehensive, IFilm offers action, animation, comedy and drama shorts. Some of the favourites include 'Wanna Go Out?' in which a saucy 12-year-old boy unavailingly asks elder women out on dates. "Come on, I've been practising kissing on my doll," he pleads desperately. Flicks like this one are called 'viral videos' as they are among the hottest attachments forwarded by email.

IFilm also offers snippets from TV serials, movie clips and DVD extras, trailers and the most popular advertisements. Some content is inappropriate for young audiences.

Atom Films:
Another favourite with short film enthusiasts, Atom Films has an array of animation, comedy, drama and thrillers. It hosts over 2,000 games and films. Most are American, but an international section offers a more eclectic choice. In addition to shorts, some films are presented in episodes.

User ratings and reviews guide you on. And if they are anything to go by, spoofs on Osama and Al Qaeda appear to be very popular, with three of them listed among the 10 most shared films.

Like IFilm, this site contains graphic material too.

Digital Film Festival:
This is a travelling and online showcase of digital films. It aims to entertain audiences by showcasing the best work of digital filmmakers, and also teaches people the art. Their screening room allows you to download movies and excerpts or view streaming flicks on Quicktime.

Films include 'The Week Before' in which God creates the stars; 'Mutate' that takes a grim look at the future of genetic engineering; 'Shaken, Not Stirred', a comedy about the perils of modern romance.

Cinema Now:
Yet another film portal, this one offers full-length movies on a free and pay-per-view basis. Among the free offerings, is Ali - Not the one starring Will Smith, but a documentary of the boxing champ from his early days to the peak of his career. Those who prefer thrillers may enjoy '24 Hours To Kill', an action flick about an American smuggler stuck in Beirut.

Foreign films comprise Anthony and Cleopatra, Cinderella, Othello and The Prince and The Pauper.

The Bit Screen:
Specialising in first-run Internet films and web series, this site claims to have weekly additions. Its motto is "Hey if you want reruns, go watch cable. If you want something new, keep watching the screen - The Bit Screen."

To watch the movies, you need to enter the 'Screening Room'. It also provides instructions on viewing and a list of forthcoming releases.

BijouFlix:
This site streams free and paid shorts. Its selection criteria: deconstructed, experimental, non-narrative, animated and classic films.

Free flicks currently on offer are Jerry Garcia, Burrough's Tarzan, Leprechaun & Snake, Marilyn and Skimming with Deuce. You need to install RealPlayer in order to watch their fare.

Yahoo! Movies:
This is an online shorts directory, listing the best short films online, in various genres. So, if you want a birds-eye view of the latest action, animation, comedy, crime, documentary, drama, horror, romance and science fiction shorts, this page is worth checking out.

Additionally, you could also visit Undergroundfilm, PIXAR and EVEO a good resource site for filmmakers.

And if you've tried your hand at making short films and want to exhibit them, be sure to click on the submission links on most of the above sites.