[Press Release by PPR]
Following the award-winning success of his first two films, nineteen-year-old filmmaker Beau Eastman this week premiered his new work, The Conduit, which he created with his fellow Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE film students.
The film marks the end of studies for Beau as he prepares to graduate from the Institute with a Certificate IV in Screen.
It has been a big couple of years for the young filmmaker who has won three awards for his films including a PCYC/Bluelight short film award for his film Prejudice, and accolades at the 2007 Queensland Young Filmmakers Festival for a film about his brother titled Our Guru of Surfing.
Our Guru of Surfing also won Beau a $19,000 scholarship to the SAE Institute at the 2008 National Reelife Short Film Festival, something Beau’s brother Joel predicted. Joel passed away peacefully in his sleep last August after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
Beau hopes The Conduit will be equally successful.
“I don’t want to give too much away but it’s a 10-minute psychological thriller involving some murderous twists and turns,” he said.
The film premiered on Monday night (December 1) at The Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE to an audience of 40 fellow students and friends.
“It was really well received and we are now keen to get further exposure and enter it into some short film awards next year.”
With the formal side of study almost behind him, Beau is free to explore his artistic talents.
“I hope to one day work full-time making surfing or animal documentaries,” Beau said.
Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE Director Ross Hepworth said courses, like those teaching film, were a stepping stone for many graduates to combine a career with a passion.
“Right now there are a lot of students finishing school and considering their future. We encourage them to look outside the traditional training and explore their artistic talents,” he sai.