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International and Australian filmmakers will showcase their work to Bass Coast locals and visitors at a special event this month.
Running from 24 April to 30 April, the Bass Coast Shorts film festival will screen in several venues across the shire including the historic Archies Creek Hotel and the Berninneit Cinema in Cowes.
Bass Coast Shire Council and Australian Short Film Festivals have once again come together to support this initiative, which is now in its third year and was spearheaded by festival director John Frohlich.
He has also launched the Archies Creek Hotel Thursday night short film nights in the lead-up to the film festival, a community collaboration with the Archies Creek Arts Collective.
‘The objectives of the Thursday night film nights are simple,’ John said. ‘To foster a love of short films, to create an interest in the forthcoming Bass Coast Shorts festival and ultimately to develop opportunities and skills for local film makers, both aspiring and emerging.’
Having lived in Canberra and worked on the Canberra Short Film Festival, John said Phillip Island was the perfect place to hold such an event with its vibrant arts culture and beautiful scenery, reminiscent of Tuscany France.
‘This area is really beginning to be hip and cool and discovered. It is producing a lot of arts and music and reminds me of Tuscany with its rolling hills and great produce and local wine and cheese,’ he said. ‘Not many towns have film festivals. It’s cultural sophistication.’
It’s this growing cultural sophistication that filmmakers across the world want in on. With approximately 80 submissions in different categories this year, John said that judges were very impressed by the quality of the entries.
‘Local film makers like Steve Dunn – an Inverloch-based diver and expert in marine flora and fauna – and Jess McGuirk– an award-winning Wonthaggi student – have produced thought-provoking documentaries of particular interest to the Bass Coast community,’ he said.
‘We have a panel with ten judges who use a rating system. It’s very interesting how everyone has different tastes and opinions, but they are looking for technical excellence, beautiful cinematography, great acting and strong writing.’
There will be awards presented in the following areas:
The program will feature award-winning national and international films and animations. As part of the festival there will also be forums and Q & As with filmmakers and screen industry guests, some screenings at Archies Creek Hotel and a 2-day workshop for emerging filmmakers in the lead-up to the festival.
Screening times
Each screening is a different program of short films showcasing selected entries.
Tickets are $20 per session ($14 concession) online from the Bass Coast Shire website or Trybooking or from the box office (Berninneit sessions) or at the door (Archies Creek Hotel sessions).
The Festival Forum is free and features Q & A with an industry guest. All welcome.
For more information email basscoastshorts@gmail.com or phone 0428 138 382.
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