Press release from Secret Service Digital
Hundreds of indie film buffs poured into the pre SOLD OUT 9th Annual Bondi Short Film Festival at the iconic Bondi Pavilion on Bondi Beach.
The night’s proceedings were officially opened by the wonderful MC Robbie Buck (Triple J – soon to be ABC) but it was the 14 short films that people had come to see.
“When the lights go down and the first film rolls out I watch over the audience and witness their collective laughs and the occasional tear. It is this single moment in time that makes all the hard work of putting the Bondi Short Film Festival together worthwhile” Francis Coady Festival Director
Over two hours of films were presented and it was down to the moment all the filmmakers had been waiting for. Who would win overall Best Film, Best Music, Best Actor, Best Design, Best Cinematography and Best Script.
Cannes Jury Prize-winning film Jerrycan by Julius Avery was the major winner on the night, picking up Overall Best Film as well as Best Cinematography. The gritty, dark film explores the nature of childhood bullying and relationships, as a young boy, who misses his absent father, kicks about with his mates and enemies alike.
Best Overall Film was represented by SHOWTIME and presented by seasoned director David Caesar and Nell Schofield of SHOWTIME.
The filmmakers walked away with an incredible prize including a return flight to North America to view any short film festival of the winner’s choice compliments of Showtime. Free editing time at Spectrum Films valued at $3000 and a Firestick Film Makers Getaway which includes 2 nights free accommodation at Crown Plaza, lunch for 2 at Rock Restaurant, a private Firestick wine tasting and a complimentary mixed dozen of Firestick Wines. Total value: $1,500.
Best Cinematography was represented by Getty Images and presented by “It Girl” Gracie Otto and Jane King from Getty Images. The filmmaker responsible for Jerrycan walked away with A Getty Images Visa Card with $3000 credit plus a 30% discount off all Getty Images products for the entire year of 2010. On top of this the winning filmmaker also received a framed A2 Getty Image of choice selected from the entire Getty Images collections.
The winner of Best Script was Genevieve Clay’s Frances and Annie represented by Oyster Magazine and presented by Film Ink publisher Dov Kornits and Oyster publisher Monica Nakata. Frances and Annie took a refreshing, honest look at the stereotypes of disabled people and starred Tracie Sammut, an actress with Down Syndrome who has starred in numerous TV shows and films.
Best Music was awarded to Sunrise by Platon Theodoris represented by MySpace and presented by Bondi Short Film Festival Director Francis Coady and Sarah Hurwitz from MySpace. Sunrise is a very special film in that it was made by the children of the Sunrise Orphanage in Cambodia. Platon worked with the children to create a cast and crew made primarily of young people from the orphanage that were trained in filmmaking, script-writing and acting.
Fokker’s Mountain Path by Luhsun Tan won Best Design represented by Spectrum Films and presented by York Spencer of Bluetonge and Naomii Taylor of Spectrum Films. The film utilised complex animation and photo montages which depicted the story of a Prisoner of War during WWII.
Best Actor was picked up by Post This! lead character, Jim, played by Duncan Fellows. Best Actor was represented by Firestick and presented by Underbelly and Balibo star Damon Gameau and Stewart Hodges of Firestick. Post This! is a smart, funny short about the interpersonal relationships between best mates. When one of the pal’s girlfriend moves in and changes their dynamic, Jim (Duncan Fellows) vows to win back his best friend – with too much success!