[press release from Harmony Film Fest]
Do you think good films make the world a happier place? Harmony Film Festival certainly does. The festival aims to promote harmony and happiness through its screenings and other film-related activities.
It was founded by Mehrzad Mumtahan, an inner west artist and filmmaker who came to Australia as a refugee in 1987. The Harmony Film Festival is now in its fifth year and has been going from strength to strength since its establishment in 2003.
Each year the festival picks a theme, usually something the organisers feel the world needs more of. This year the theme is “Joy”.
“Everyone has something that gives them joy in their life, whether it’s spending time with their children, watching a beautiful sunset, eating a delicious meal, or seeing a great film! We asked filmmakers to think about what makes them and those around them happy and to use that as the inspiration for their entry”, says Mehrzad.
The Harmony Film Festival may be tiny compared to the likes of the Sydney Film Festival but it still attracts entries from all over the world. This year’s finalists include award-winning entries from as far away as Germany (The Last Tree), Mexico (The Nut), Croatia (The Market) and Spain (Doors). Other submissions included films from Holland and India.
New South Wales filmmaker Brendon Brown Killen who took the top spot in 2007 has entered another film this year. It’s called “Less Than Perfect” and focuses on the issue of mental health.
Another Australian entry is “White Sound”, a film by profoundly deaf Sydney filmmaker Sarah Traction, which explores a soundless existence and the joy that emerges from a sensory deprivation.
Other entries in the competition include “The pretty simple life of an Angelman” by Rhys Votano from Sydney and “Channel B Presents” by Dellaram Jamali from Ballarat, Victoria.
The 2008 Harmony Film Festival screening and awards ceremony will be held in collaboration with the University of NSW, UNSW School of English, Media and Performing Arts, and ARC UNSW Student Representative Council. The films will be screened on Saturday October 4th at 7.30pm at the Sir John Clancy Auditorium, UNSW Gate 9 High St, Kensington. The screening is free of charge and open to everyone.
“We have fantastic films, music and entertainment lined up for the 4th October, so come and bring your family and friends along for a night of joy!” Festival Director Mehrzad Mumtahan said.
For all screening details visit www.harmonyfilmfest.com