Press Release from Tsuki
The Tasmanian ‘Breath of Fresh Air’ (BOFA) Film Festival is now calling for entries for its inaugural event, a must for seasoned professionals and upcoming filmmakers alike. BOFA is inviting submissions of feature films and entries to its two short film competitions: the Digital SLR Short Film Competition (short films shot on a Digital SLR camera) and The Fusion Film Competition (films which merge the moving and still image). The deadline for submission of feature films and competition entries is 31 August 2011, or enter by 30 June to take advantage of the reduced early bird fee.
Films chosen will reflect the festival’s fresh approach to filmmaking and contemporary issues, celebrating the power of screen-based storytelling to inspire positive change. In each of the categories for entry, films should incorporate one of BOFA’s key themes: – ‘New Horizons’, covering new and positive perspectives on contemporary themes such as new technology, social and third world issues
– ‘Food for Thought’, which may look at food themes ranging from the celebration of food to positive perspectives on food security and the treatment of animals
The films will be judged by Artistic Director and celebrity photographer Bradley Patrick and a panel of industry professionals. Winners will receive cash and prizes including film equipment, industry support and accommodation, with full details to be announced soon.
BOFA was launched in June this year by the Premier of Tasmania and Minister for the Arts, the Hon. Lara Giddings, who is excited by the opportunity to attract talent from all over the world and invigorate the local industry through film submissions. “BOFA looks set to become another wonderful event on an increasingly busy calendar that includes festivals with a global reach,” said the Premier.
BOFA, which has the support of MyState, Screen Tasmania and Events Tasmania, will take place at the Tramsheds at Inveresk, Launceston, from 23-27 November. Over five days, selected films will be shown to an international audience of film lovers and industry professionals, and filmmakers will have the opportunity to take part in industry debate, master classes and attend gala parties in ‘fresh’ places like a planetarium and local brewery.
FEATURE FILMS
BOFA aims to screen feature length films and documentaries which will draw significant audiences, provide a high quality viewing experience and enhance the themes of the festival. Feature films will be shown out of competition at BOFA 2011 and there will be an Audience Choice Award for the most popular film.
Film selection will be completed in the middle of the year, but examples of the kind of films BOFA is looking for include: In a Better World – Danish 2011 Oscar winner with a strong theme of the ethical dilemmas to be navigated when faced with violence and injustice; Today’s special – an Indian sous-chef in Manhattan learns to trust his senses more than recipes and rediscovers his heritage and his passion for life through the enchanting art of cooking Indian food.
DIGITAL SLR SHORT FILM COMPETITION
Embracing the prevalence of Digital technology and the creative prowess it inspires, BOFA invites entries for short films, shot on Digital SLR camera. Films should be under 12 minutes, based on either of the festival themes and may encompass drama, documentary, humour and science-fiction. A statement confirming that the film has been shot on Digital SLR must accompany the submission. Note: This pre-condition has been waived for Tasmanian film makers due to the relatively small size of the vibrant local industry.
Award categories include the International Short film Award, Freshest Screenplay Award, Tasmanian Short Film Award for freshest short film produced in or by a Tasmanian and the Audience Choice Award.
FUSION FILM COMPETITION
BOFA acknowledges the role of state-of-the-art photographic technologies in allowing photographers to produce ‘fusion’ productions – moving images combined with stills from the same camera – and invites filmmakers to enter the Fusion Film Competition. In conjunction with the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP), BOFA is offering a special award for the freshest fusion production telling a short story without narration or dialogue. Films should be less than five minutes in length and reflect BOFA's key themes.
ENTRY GUIDELINES
To submit feature films for consideration and to enter the Digital SLR Short Film Competition and the Fusion Film Competition, go to: https://www.withoutabox.com/login/9557
Entry deadline for all film submissions is close of business, Wednesday 31 August 2011. Save on the entry fee and enter by the Early Bird deadline, 30 June.
Eligible films must have been completed after September 2008 and not screened commercially in the state of Tasmania, Australia, in any form or duration prior to 27 November, 2011. Films broadcast on Australian television (free-to-air, Pay TV or via the web); or released on home video/DVD, for sale or rental, prior to 9 September, 2011 are ineligible for entry. All Festival films will be screened in DVD format if selected. Films must be in their original language, with English subtitles if the original language is not English.
FESTIVAL DATES:
Venue: Inveresk Precinct, Launceston, Tasmania
Dates: Wed 23 to Sun 27 November 2011
Program: Five days of feature film, digital SLR shorts, debates, competitions, master-classes and gala events, plus Food, Wine 'n’ Film – a food and wine festival with outdoor screenings of food related films
Website: http://www.bofa.com.au/
Tickets: Check website for details