The Victorian Government has confirmed funding for St Kilda Film Festival through to 2018.
Produced by the City of Port Phillip, St Kilda Film Festival draws around 12,000 people to venues around St Kilda to see screenings of "Australia’s Top 100" short films, as well as the SoundKILDA music video program and shorts by filmmakers under 21 years old.
“St Kilda Film Festival is an iconic event that doesn’t just bring crowds to St Kilda, it spreads its wings across the state giving regional and suburban audiences the opportunity to experience films by our best and brightest,” said Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley.
“Many films screened at the festival have gone on to be recognised internationally, including at the Oscars and Cannes Film Festival. I look forward to seeing the talent the festival uncovers this year.”
Films included in the Top 100 are in the running for prizes and awards worth over $50,000 including the $10,000 award for Best Short Film. The festival is also accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which means winning films – both narrative and documentaries – are eligible for Oscar consideration.
The festival also includes a professional development program for emerging filmmakers that includes forums, workshops and talks covering all aspects and fields of the industry, from screenwriting to sound design, producing and performance.
The 34th St Kilda Film Festival will run from May 18 – 27, after which it will tour regional and outer metropolitan areas from June to August. Expressions of interest are now open from Victorian venues and organisations wishing to be part of the 2017 tour.
Entries are now open and close on 27 January.