Harmony International Short Film Festival celebrated its fourth year on Saturday October 6th in Sydney. In a memorable night, hosted by actor Ritchie Singer and Dr. Michelle Langford and packed with great films and entertainment, the 2007 opening and awards ceremony took place at the prestigious Sir John Clancy Auditorium at the University of New South Whales.
In addition to a line up of international films an audience of around 400 was treated to a live performance by Deleuze and Guittari, a duo consisting of Joe Cummins on trumpet and Sam Pettigrew on Double Bass.
This year the festival ran a short program of films on the theme of ‘respect’ in collaboration with the UNSW School of English, Media and Performing Arts, Student Representative Council and UNSW Student Equity and Diversity Unit.
These included How to be Australia…with Vin & Raj from Melbourne which was a humorous look at what it means to be Australian, multiculturalism and Australian values, and Rob Tim Tom a short documentary from country NSW about the life of an autistic man who possesses an amazing creative talent.
The other films in the competition were Little Brother (Singapore), Brown Trash (Sydney), Anita (India), Wheelchair (Sydney), Colours (Singapore), and Without Seeing (Spain).
Festival’s Artistic Director Mehrzad Mumtahan said: ‘These films explore the relationship between film and our understanding of the notion of respect with a focus on creating awareness of the subject and its importance in our interactions with others, the world and the environment’.
The films came from around Australia and the world and examine issues as diverse as respect for people with disabilities, cultural diversity, interaction between children, and respect for the rights of girls to education and equal rights. ‘The audience enjoyed a great night of viewing as some films were included purely for their comic relief’. Mr. Mumtahan added.
The Harmony Film Festival works towards promoting positive filmmaking and harmony. The Festival founder and Sydney Inner West resident was inspired to work for harmony after experiencing religious persecution growing up as a Baha’i in Iran, where members of his faith continue to experience persecution and discrimination. He came to Australia as a refugee in 1987. ‘The universal right to education and freedom to believe needs to be respected in every country around the world’, he said.
For more information and photos of the 2007 screening and awards ceremony visit http://www.harmonyfilmfest.com/
[release from the Harmony FF]