The 4th annual Elliot Rocke Mudfest – the Mudgee International Film Festival has once again left everyone who attended begging for more and vowing to be back in 2009.
Nearly 1000 people setup their chairs and picnics under the stars on the lawns of the Elliot Rocke Estate cellar door and viewed 14 short films from right across the globe.
‘We have been completely stunned by the reaction to the festival both on the night and afterwards’ said festival co-organiser Peter Scott, ‘there was a constant stream of well wishers and follow up emails requesting next years date so people can book in early’ he added.
The 2 major awards presented on the night went to Australian productions confirming the strength of local Australian Filmmaking talent.
The judges ended up with a short list of 4 films and in the end unanimously agreed on A Chair with a View as the recipient of the 2008 Elliot Rocke Mudfest judges choice. Produced by Bill Harding, John Paramor and John Moyle with direction by Nigel Abbott, the film also featured the acting of well known local entertainers Nell Schofield & Mark Trevorrow and was a fun and quirky take on the ‘real’ origins of the Sydney Opera House.
The Peoples Choice award was a clear winner with Queensland production Nine Miles Beautiful receiving the biggest cheer from the audience. The film was directed by Marty Moynihan and produced by Peter Blackburn & Graham Young.
Elliot Rocke Mudfest is scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of March each year and will be held on Saturday the 21st of March in 2009, entries for 2009 will open on 1st September 2008. For more information, please visit the Elliot Rocke Estate Mudfest website: http://www.mudfest.com.au/
[Release from Mudfest Publicity]