In 2014, writer-director Neil Triffett and producer Lee Matthews won a Special Mention in the Generation 14plus section of the Berlin International Film Festival for their short film, Emo The Musical.
Now three years on, the filmmakers are set to return to the festival with the feature verison, EMO the Musical. The high school musical satire has been officially selected for its international premiere at Berlinale 2017, again in the Generation 14plus program. EMO the Musical had its world premiere at MIFF last August.
Returning to the festival was rewarding for the team, said Triffett.
“It’s wonderful to come full circle. We received such a terrific response to the short from Berlinale and its audiences in 2014, now to be able to return with the feature film is very exciting,” he said.
Producer Lee Matthews said: “The success of the short film in Berlin opened many doors for us throughout the industry. We had proof that the story, tone and style would resonate with audiences internationally, and when that evidence comes from a film festival as respected as the Berlinale people take notice very quickly.”
The film’s ensemble cast includes Benson Jack Anthony (800 Words), Jordan Hare (The Secret Daughter), Rahart Adams (Nowhere Boys, Pacific Rim 2) and Jon Prasida (Tomorrow when the War Began) and Bridie Carter (800 Words, McCloud’s Daughters).
Anthony and Hare with join Triffett and Matthews in Berlin. Matthews will also spend his time in Berlin taking part in Berlinale Talents, a filmmakers’ forum for early career filmmakers from around the world.
EMO is represented in Australia by Bonsai Films, and internationally by XYZ Films.
Red Dog: True Blue will also screen at the festival, making its European premiere in the Generation Kplus section.
The Berlin International Film Festival takes place February 9-19.
EMO the Musical will make its Australian theatrical release May 4.