Press release from Kubuku
Over 1,000 film lovers attended the Bondi Short Film Festival on Saturday 26th November, which saw cinema brought back to the beach for the 11th year running! The Festival’s 14 finalists competed for a prize pool valued at over $10,000 but it was the controversial film, MURDER MOUTH that took out the highly converted Showtime ‘Best Film’ Award on the night.
Directed by Madeleine Perry, MURDER MOUTH sees the young filmmaker question whether killing the meat she eats will change the way she feels about the food and herself. The short film, which has been RSPCA-approved, takes viewers on a confronting journey and its graphic and challenging nature has seen it receive nationwide attention.
Judging the short list of films was a panel of film industry heavyweights including: one of Australia’s most sought after directors, Daniel Nettheim (THE HUNTER), award-winning comedian, writer and director Lawrence Leung, star of the hit TV series PACKED TO THE RAFTERS, Ryan Corr, Head of Documentary for AFTRS, Ruth Cullen and award winning sound designer and mixer, Sam Petty.
The 2011 Bondi Short Film Festival award winners:
Showtime ‘Best Film’ Award
MURDER MOUTH – directed by Madeleine Perry
You can’t eat a steak without killing the cow. Could you kill what you had for dinner? Maddie a 21-year-old meat eater decides to take the question into her own hands.
Lenovo ‘Peoples Choice Award’
MAURICE – directed by Adam Rosenberg
Maurice has been washing car windscreens for just over eight years. He currently works on the corner of Johnston St and Parramatta Rd, Sydney. Many years working this job has given Maurice an interesting perspective on the city and the people who live in it. Over the past few years Maurice has become somewhat of a local celebrity, building relationships with many of the individuals living and working in the area. He is upbeat, positive and greets every car that passes with a wave and a smile from underneath one of his many trademark hats. Maurice proves the point that everybody has a story to tell, sometimes we just need a little help finding people to listen!
Les Jamelles ‘Best Script’ Award
SOMETHING TO TELL YOU – directed by Pete Gleeson
Gary has struck up a relationship with a woman he likes on an Internet dating site. The time approaches when they must meet but he is yet to tell her he has a severe physical disability. As he reveals the details of his condition to her, we witness the arduous process of simply getting to bed. As the reality of his physical situation becomes clear, so too do the odds of him remaining a romantic contender.
The Coady Group ‘Best Sound Design’ Award
MONGREL’S CREED – directed by Tom Noakes
Set in a future dystopian reality, this dark comedy is about Jim Gravel, a jaded and miserable lifetime employee of the omnipresent ‘Company’. Jim is condemned to the soul-destroying task of reprogramming rebellious citizens into more controllable, obedient workers, until he is ordered to reprogram an enthusiastic, life-affirming man-child named Robbie.
Spectrum ‘Best Production Design’ Award
MONGREL’S CREED – directed by Tom Noakes
Set in a future dystopian reality, this dark comedy is about Jim Gravel, a jaded and miserable lifetime employee of the omnipresent ‘Company’. Jim is condemned to the soul-destroying task of reprogramming rebellious citizens into more controllable, obedient workers, until he is ordered to reprogram an enthusiastic, life-affirming man-child named Robbie.
Lenovo ‘Best Actor’ Award
Tom Green and Bianca Linton from VOYEURNET – directed by Stuart Parkyn
Trent likes Kate, who rides the same tram as him from school. Trent is becoming addicted to internet porn and the longer he surfs the more extreme his interests are getting. Trent finally talks with Kate on the tram, but his motives are more than just simple flirting.
Getty Images ‘Best Cinematography’ Award
MURDER MOUTH – directed by Madeleine Perry
You can’t eat a steak without killing the cow. Could you kill what you had for dinner? Maddie a 21-year-old meat eater decides to take the question into her own hands.