The Australian Film Commission (AFC) is delighted to announce that three Australian films, Burley!, I Love Sarah Jane and Katoomba have been selected in the prestigious International Competition at the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival.
Burley! written by David Edwardz, directed by David Edwardz and Gareth Cowen and produced by Andrew Goode, tells the story of a young tetra fish, one of a million in her school, who just wants some attention. Burley! will have its international premiere at Clermont-Ferrand. The film received production funding from the AFC.
I Love Sarah Jane was written by Spencer Susser and David Michod, directed by Spencer Susser and produced by Angie Fielder. Mike Seymour, Nash Edgerton and Spencer Susser were attached as executive producers. I Love Sarah Jane explores the world of Jimbo who can think about only one thing – a girl called Sarah Jane. The screening at Clermont-Ferrand will be the second international screening for I Love Sarah Jane following its selection in the shorts competition at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2008.
Katoomba is the story of a defining moment in the relationship of two best friends, who must decide where their future lies, with or without the other. The film was written and directed by Leon Ford and produced by Melissa Johnston and Nicole O’Donohue. Katoomba received production funding by the AFC and screened at the 2007 Sydney Film Festival and the Melbourne International Film Festival. It won the Dendy Award for Best Fiction Short in 2007.
The Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival is regarded as one of the most prestigious short film festivals on the international calendar and runs from 1–9 February 2008.
Burley!
(9 minutes)
Writer: David Edwardz
Director: David Edwardz and Gareth Cowen
Producer: Andrew Goode
Cast: Barbara Baugh, Hayden Spencer, Marcus Graham, Stefan Cooper-Fox
Synopsis: A young tetra fish, one of a million in her school, just wants some attention. Feeling lonely and bored, she is attracted by the manic antics of a gang of older fish who spend their time inventing new extreme sports. She begins a quest to gain their acceptance, but at what cost?
I Love Sarah Jane
(14 minutes)
Writer: Spencer Susser and David Michod
Director: Spencer Susser
Producer: Angie Fielder
Executive Producers: Mike Seymour, Nash Edgerton, Spencer Susser
Production Companies: The Last Picture Company/FX PHD
Cast: Brad Ashby, Mia Wasikowska, Vladimir Matovic, Richard Mueck, Beau South, Peter Yacoub
Synopsis: Jimbo is 13. All he can think about is one girl, Sarah Jane. And no matter what stands in his way – bullies, violence, chaos, zombies – nothing is going to stop him from finding a way into her world.
Katoomba
(25 minutes)
Writer: Leon Ford
Director: Leon Ford
Producers: Melissa Johnston and Nicole O’Donohue
Cast: Emma Lung, Claire van der Boom
Synopsis: Katoomba is the story of a defining moment in the relationship of two best friends, who must decide where their future lies, with or without the other.
[release from Avisso PR for the AFC]