As part of its on-going program to develop screen industries and audiences in regional areas, the New South Wales Film & Television Office (FTO) has announced a grant of $5000 to the North West Film Festival, to be held in Bingara tomorrow (August 10, 2007).
The North West Film Festival was established in 2004 to provide students and young filmmakers interested in film, video and multimedia an opportunity to showcase their work. The Festival invites entries from students and young people from isolated rural communities across the New England North West region of New South Wales.
In 2004, its inaugural year, the Festival was held in conjunction with the statewide Silent Cells Film Festival and the national Reelife Film Festival. Attracting entries from students ranging from primary to TAFE, the success of the North West Film Festival in its first three years has ensured its continuation as a stand-alone festival.
The North West Film Festival is an initiative of the Gwydir Learning Region and evolved from the ambitions of two Year 10 students who went on to win the People’s Choice award at the Silent Cells Film Festival.
‘The Festival attracts a range of screen industry professionals and this provides aspiring local filmmakers with a rare opportunity for career development through access to skilled practitioners. The North West Film Festival is a celebration of what can be achieved by people who believe in their rural community and its future,’ said Wendy Nye, Manager of the Industry and Audience Development Grants Program at the FTO.
The North West Film Festival holds a series of workshops throughout the day, followed by a presentation in the evening of screenings and prizes.
[release from TM Publicity for the FTO]