The festival is over (for the moment, at least!)
After ten months of planning, scores of entries, hundreds of punters and thousands of emails and phone calls, the 2010 Hillside Film Festival drew to a close on Saturday night, February 20th, in front of a another sell-out audience.
Following on from last year’s success, our main goal this year was to see the festival grow – in size, in scope and in exposure. Thanks to the extraordinary support of our festival staff and volunteers, our sponsors and supporters, and – of course – our audience, we proudly achieved all three. With the expansion from one screening night to two, another packed cinema audience had the chance to share in the event. For the first time, it also allowed us to extend our program to include a full-length feature film.
On Friday night, February 19th, we were lucky enough to present the cult travel documentary Surfing 50 States, by young Australian filmmakers Jonno Durrant and Stefan Hunt. Jonno even flew back from his current home in the United States to introduce the film and conduct an audience Q+A after the screening. The film itself proved a perfect fit with the inclusive aims of the festival, as two young people started out with just a camera and a crazy idea (to ‘surf’ all fifty US states, including the 32 without an ocean coastline!), and let nothing – not a lack of budget, experience or surfing skills – stop them from turning it into reality. The film drew a fantastic response from the audience (favourite quote: “If you didn’t like that film, there’s something seriously wrong with you”), and kicked-off the festival on an absolute high. The festival was officially opened by Cr Samantha Dunn, one of our strongest supporters over the last five years, representing our Government Partner the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
Saturday night featured our now-traditional short film competition screening, as eight of Victoria’s best short filmmakers presented their work on the big screen. As on Friday night, we were blessed by perfect weather, and our films rose to the occasion. Timothy Melville collected the Upwey and District Community Bank ‘Best Film' award for The Laundromat, while Sam Petersen took out the Burrinja ‘Best Under-18 Filmmaker’ award for Interview Artist: Part 2. Each film received an overwhelming response from our audience; as a festival, it was very gratifying to receive the consensus that it was our best program yet - something the filmmakers should take great pride in. Screenwriter and lecturer Ray Mooney, representing our judging panel, gave some fantastic words of encouragement to our filmmakers, placing them in the context of our burgeoning short film industry.
And just like that, the festival was over for another year. Of course, we couldn’t have made it such a success without the generous support of so many people and organizations:
Burrinja, through which the festival was again produced and presented, for their generous support and dedication to the project.
Our Government Partner, the Shire of Yarra Ranges, who have generously provided ongoing support for the past five years.
Our Venue Partner, Cameo Cinemas, who again provided us their stunning outdoor cinema for our venue.
Our Media Partner, Aurora Community Channel, who helped promote the festival, and will again screen our festival shortlist on the small screen as part of Youth Week 2010.
Our Sponsors: Upwey + District Community Bank, who provided a fantastic $1,000 cash prize for our ‘Best Film’ winner; Madman Entertainment, who provided a brilliant DVD prize pack for our ‘Best Under-18 Filmmaker’ winner; Ferntree Print; Filmshaker; and Pocket Bonfire Productions. Earthly Pleasures Organic Café and the Bluestone Bar for providing a beautiful setting for our garden and after parties.
Lucas Bartlett, Innerspace and all of the talented performers who graced the festival stage over the two nights.
Our industry judges: director Sandra Sciberras, producer Bridget Callow and writer Ray Mooney for their time, care and effort in judging, and for supporting young and emerging filmmakers. Of course, our fantastic filmmakers: Sari Braithwaite, Jonno Durrant, Dustin Feneley, Philip Houghton, Stefan Hunt, Shannon George, Timothy Melville, Emily Owens, Sam Petersen, Sophia Sourris, and all those who entered this year.
And finally you, our audience, for supporting young and emerging Victorian filmmakers. Ideas are already flowing about next year’s festival, and planning will begin very soon. Stay tuned to this website or search for us on facebook and myspace for news on our next call for entries. Until then, keep making films, and keep supporting young Victorian filmmakers!
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