Storytellers from across the region are invited to put their tales on the silver screen with the much-loved North West film festival set to return on September 15, this time at the Inverell Town Hall.
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Organiser Stephanie Marshall was thrilled to see the event rise from the ashes last year after funding shortages cancelled the 2015 festival. This year will be the 11th for the festival.
“I’m really proud that it’s been going that long,” she said.
“It’s certainly morphing.”
Mrs Marshall said the growth of Youtube and self-made filmmakers had only increased interest in the industry.
“Film is as relevant as ever, it’s accessible as ever,” she said.
From a Wes Anderson-style murder mystery to the true story of a disabled couple seeking community acceptance for their marriage, last year’s entries explored a wide range of issues in various styles.
Eloise Collins made an impact with her short To The Bully, We Say Thank You, in which her subjects thanked the people who bullied them for shaping their lives. Meanwhile Moree elder Noeline Briggs-Smith challenged audiences in her retelling of the history of segregation in the town.
Mrs Marshall encouraged anyone with a story to tell to dip their toe in the water, even if they only have a a smartphone to take footage with. She said many people tell her their work wasn’t “good enough” for a festival, but argued this was untrue.
“Consistently the judges have gone with the heart of the film - if they think the film’s got an interesting story, they’ve always valued that more than production values,” she said.
“I would feel that we were really successful if the kids that came last year made films this year.”
Echoing last year’s workshops in various North West towns, Mrs Marshall said there are likely to be ‘satellite’ events leading up to the festival to help people get started. Filmmakers will also have the chance to make a work during the festival as part of the 100 minute challenge.
To enter the North West Film Festival, create a film (10 minutes maximum) and upload it to Youtube. Paste the URL along with your name, age (primary school, high school or open) and desired category (animation, narration, documentary or purely creative) on the North West Film Festival Facebook page or website.
Naomi Shumack
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
