This year’s Tropfest Roughcut industry events will be free for the first time. Both will be held at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS).
On October 21 That Sugar Film director Damon Gameau will take part in a conversation about creativity and confidence with filmmaker and AFTRS head of documentary Dr Rachel Landers.
They will explore the idea of resilience and the importance of continuing to create in the face of challenges and criticism.
“Receiving criticism can be harrowing for a filmmaker, particularly those just starting out in their career,” says Gameau, whose animated film Animal Beatbox won Tropfest 2011 and triggered a lively debate.
“But you can’t let the negativity paralyse you. The most important thing is to use it – let it become the fuel that inspires you to tackle an even bigger project. That’s what I have set out to do in my career from now on.”
Australia’s highest grossing non-IMAX documentary, That Sugar Film has taken Gameau to address the UK and New Zealand parliaments and to meet with the LA Lakers. He also held screenings for the Royal College of Medicine in London and appeared on BBC’s The Today Show and Dr. Oz in the US.
He will draw upon these experiences in a discussion on the power of film to move beyond the box office and impact social change.
The second Roughcut event staged by Tropfest will be held on November 5, with guests participating in the Q&A to be announced.
Seats are strictly limited, so register space at: http://www.tropfest.com/au/roughcut/
Tropfest Roughcut is supported by Screen NSW, Nikon, Mud House Wines and AFTRS.