Press release from: WA Screen Academy
WA Screen Academy directing graduates Ben Young and Mike Hoath have made official selection for the 2012 Clare Valley Film Festival with their short films Something Fishy and Crosshairs.
The Clare Valley Film Festival showcases Australian and international independent film, as well as informing and inspiring a new generation of filmmakers through the Clewers Film Challenge
A 2005 graduate of the WA Screen Academy, Ben Young has added a number of recent accolades to his name including a $20,000 feature film script development award for Unloved. He plans to direct his debut full-length feature film in the near future.
His short film, Something Fishy, tells the story about a friendship that is more than skin deep. It will be screening as part of the Perception Official Selection of short films.
"The Festival has a great reputation amongst industry professionals, so I'm stoked to be a part of it,” Ben said.
Mike’s film, Crosshairs, is about two brothers from a rural West Australian town who are caught poaching a lamb, with the situation ending in a violent showdown. It will be screening as part of the Cigarettes & Regret Official Selection of short films.
"I love how Clare Valley have curated their program,” Mike said.
”All the films within each block are linked thematically, as opposed to just lumping them together randomly like so many other festivals do. It shows they have put the effort in to provide a better viewing experience for their audience.”
Something Fishy and Crosshairs are in the running for Best Australian Short Film Award and a $1200 prize pack. The winning film will be announced on the closing day of the festival.
WA Screen Academy Director John Rapsey wished Mike and Ben success for the festival screening.
“Ben and Mike have both accumulated impressive collections of awards, prizes and funding grants over a number of years. This a tribute to their unique talents and determination to make their mark in the screen industry,” Mr Rapsey said.