Two grand finalists have been selected from an unprecedented number of entries for the 2007 Digi SPAA Feature Film Competition:
– Boxing Day – Producer Kristian Moliere (SA)
– Men’s Group – Producer John L Simpson (NSW)
The grand finalists whose films played to enthusiastic SPAA Fringe audiences last weekend reflected the skills and talent emerging from this new style of filmmaking.
‘Interestingly both films deal with the difficulties males in contemporary urban society encounter but they approach this important issue in very different ways.’ remarked Antony I. Ginnane, Co-curator Digi SPAA., President of IFM World Releasing Inc.,
Boxing Day is the story of a father’s desperate struggle to reunite his estranged family over a single tension filled afternoon. This is Adelaide Producer, Kristian Moliere’s feature film debut and first collaboration with award winning director, Kriv Stenders.
‘Boxing Day is a film that really embraces the potential of the digital medium, so I am thrilled that Boxing Day is a Grand Finalist for Digi SPAA. It represents an enormous opportunity for our film and is a tremendous honour for me personally to be recognised by my producing peers – especially for my first feature.’ said Kristian Moliere.
In Men’s Group seven guys from vastly different backgrounds meet weekly in a suburban home in an attempt to come to terms with the problems in their lives. Sydney based Producer John L Simpson has recently played a significant role in the theatrical success of The Jammed in the role of distributor through Titan View. Men’s Group is his feature film debut which will also be distributed through Titan View http://www.titanview.com./
‘It’s a great honour to be a grand finalist in Digi SPAA and to be nominated alongside films of the calibre of Boxing Day. Men’s Group was created purely on good will, from the cast and crew to suppliers, who all became investors. Being investors should we win they will also be participating in the cash prize money, so it’s equally exciting for the entire team.’ says John L Simpson.
2007 Digi SPAA received 19 entries in 2007, building upon former years which saw 13 entries in 2005 and 17 entries in 2006.
Colleen Meldrum, Program Director, Movie Network Channels, Digi SPAA’s major sponsor, remarked:
‘Movie Network Channels is very proud of its relationship with Digi SPAA. We expect to see all four finalists contribute significantly in the future.’
The Grand Prize winner of Digi SPAA’s inaugural SPAARTAN Award, will be announced at the SPAA Conference on 13 to 16 November on the Gold Coast. The winner will be made available at the SPAA Conference to prominent international and local delegates, so they will have lots of exposure to the top dogs of the industry.
Digi SPAA is a creative project of the Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) an industry body that represents Australian independent film and television producers on all issues affecting the business and creative aspects of screen production. Digi SPAA is proudly supported by Movie Network Channels which is distributed via subscription TV platforms FOXTEL, AUSTAR, Optus, SelecTV, and Neighbourhood Cable.
For further information go to http://www.spaa.org.au/
[release from Tsuki]