[Press Release by FedFest]
FedFest are thrilled to announce the finalists that will screen in Melbourne’s Federation Square on Sunday March 15th 2009.
In its first year, FedFest received 300 film submissions from the far reaches of both Australia and New Zealand. From these entries, 70 films were short listed and considered for the finalist program which boasts a prize pool in excess of $30,000 in industry prizes and cash. The calibre of films received was outstanding, making the task of selecting the final 15 the most difficult yet.
Of the fifteen films, six films are premiere screenings and the remainder have all had success at film festivals nationally and internationally.
Over $30,000 in industry prizes will be awarded to the best three films produced. First prize will be a complete filmmaking package worth over $20,000 providing the winner with enough resources to produce their next short film from concept to completion.
Additionally cash prizes will include:
The Claypots Audience Award for Best Short Film
$1000 cash prize awarded on festival day as judged via SMS by the audience
The Metlink Award for Best Cinematography
$1000 cash prize judged by Mandy Walker, cinematographer the epic feature film, Australia.
Greg McLean, Director of Wolf Creek and Rogue will also judge the award for Best Direction.
And the finalists are…
Brother Boys dir. Simon Blyth, prod. Monique de Groot (12min, NSW)
One game of football will change two lives forever.
The Funk dir. Cris Jones, prod. Melanie Coombs (7min, VIC)
Jack woke up in a funk one day. No one really knows how it started.
Birthday Girl dir. Angie Black, prod. Angie Black & Murray Sestak (6.5min, VIC)
Waiting for an elevator in a hospital foyer is torturous for Rachael who just wants to escape and find some privacy to mourn the recent death of her child.
The Cook dir. Tony Rogers, prod. Ross Willett (12min, VIC)
Some ordinary shearers are tortured by their cook.
WanderLust/WonderLost dir. Keri D Light, prod. Michael Cody (6min, NSW)
Three kids lost in Wanderlust.
Lone Rider dir. Kasimir Burgess & Edwin McGill, prod. Chris Kamen (2min, VIC)
The lengths to which one man will go to fulfil his celluloid dream.
Lunch Box Men dir. Yianni Warnock, prod. Yianni Warnock & Aaron Bensaude (4.5min, VIC)
A stern older man orders three minions to dig a man sized hole.
For Doris dir. Christopher Kezelos, prod. Ziad Jamal (6.5mins, NSW)
A look into the underworld of competitive tropical fish breeding.
Norbert dir. Michael Hill, prod. Michael Hill (7min, VIC)
Born with a mutation, Norbert learns that hope, like cruelty, springs eternal.
Saturday Night Newtown Sunday Morning Enmore dir. Christopher Johnson, prod. Luke Eve (7.5mins, NSW)
A story of romantic possibilities.
Multiple Choice dir. Mike Goode, prod. Karen Watson (4.5mins, NSW)
A desperate lie spirals out of control for three hapless engineering students as they try to outwit their lecturer.
The Communicator dir. Ariel Kleiman, prod. Ariel Kleiman (11.5mins, VIC)
Regret has got to be the most unfulfilling of all emotions.
How Much Do You Love Me? dir. Nick Ball & Gus Johnston, prod. Nick Ball & Gus Johnston (7min, VIC)
A very unromantic comedy….
Numurkah dir. Ryan Coonan, prod. James Hicks (12min, NSW)
Things turn bad for two country boys as they attempt an insurance scam.
Spider dir. Nash Edgerton, prod. Nicole O’Donohue (10min, NSW)
Jack & Jill are always hurting each other’s feelings. But like Mum said, “It’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye.”
Blending seamlessly from the daytime events of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival the fun and frivolity kicks off at 5pm in a vibrant carnival style atmosphere with roving performance by ‘FAD’ Productions, stilt walking by Empyrean and a host of other talented performers. On the decks spinning some cool tunes will be some of Melbourne’s most prominent DJ’s Jen Tutty & Emma Peel.