In October and November 2008 the Australian Film Institute nominated short film Jerrycan will screen at an impressive selection of seven international film festivals, five of which may to lead to Oscar consideration for the film. After winning the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2008 Jerrycan has screened at the Melbourne International Film Festival and around Australia at the AFI nomination screenings.
The upcoming international festivals include:
• Hamptons International Film Festival (15th to 19th October 2008), where it will compete against just four other short films for a $5000 prize and Oscar consideration;
• London Film Festival (15th to 30th October 2008);
• Chicago International Film Festival (16th to 29th October 2008), the winner of which will receive Oscar consideration;
• Uppsala International Film Festival (20th to 26th October 2008) in Sweden, the winner of which will receive Oscar consideration;
• AFI (American Film Institute) Fest (30th October to 9th November 2008) in Los Angeles, the winner of which will receive Oscar consideration;
• Encounters Short Film Festival (18th to 23rd November 2008) in Bristol, UK;
• and the Gijon International Film Festival (20th to 29th November 2008) in Spain, the winner of which will receive a €6000 prize and Oscar consideration;
Writer and Director Julius Avery said of the young cast, all of whom were first time actors – “The kids are the ones that made this film and without them it would be nothing. They’re so willing to give you everything and that’s why I like working with them, they’re so open to new ideas. They are the heroes.” Producer Stuart Parkyn said “Making Jerrycan was a fantastic experience and its success has a great deal to do with the involvement of talented people like Cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, Editor Jack Hutchings, Casting Director Fiona Dann and Production Designer Joseph Keily.”
Co-Producer Matt Downey said “The success of Jerrycan is testament to the international appeal of Australian produced content and also to the skill of our local filmmakers.”
Jerrycan was filmed in Clunes, regional Victoria in May and December 2007. The film is about Nathan, a kid who risks everything after he is bullied into making a life and death decision.
Avery recently won the award for Best Direction in a Short Film for Jerrycan at the 2008 Australian Directors Guild awards, and previously won Best Direction in a Student Film for End of Town in 2007. Parkyn was a nominee at the 79th Academy Awards for the short film The Saviour. Jerrycan was supported by the Australian Film Commission, now Screen Australia.