​Lights, cameras, action

Festival director John Frohlich wants to bring bold ideas, big stories and tiny budgets to the big screen.

​IT’S time to get out the cameras or phones and make your mini masterpieces for the Bass Coast Shorts film festival.

The festival returns in November for its fourth year, with a growing reputation as a lively showcase of local talent alongside filmmakers from across Australia and overseas.

Festival director John Frohlich says it offers filmmakers an opportunity to bring bold ideas, big stories and tiny budgets to the big screen.

Keen to keep the festival accessible and grounded, he says it’s all about the DIY spirit.

​“Anyone can make a short film these days. You can do it on your phone, use free editing software, copyright-free music and special effects.

"Whether it’s through TikTok, YouTube or Instagram, people are connecting with one another through film.  This festival is about taking that energy and putting it on the big screen.”

Having stepped down from directing the Canberra Short Film Festival after 10 years, he's keen to see Bass Coast continue to grow. He's particularly proud that the festival offers space for underrepresented voices and emerging filmmakers to be seen and heard.

This year’s awards recognise work across People and Heritage, Coastal Life, Diversity, First Nations storytelling, Best Screenplay and Emerging Talent, with a Best Film selected from each submission category.

The headline prize, the Sue Blainey Award for Best Film, is presented by Libby Blainey in memory of her sister Sue, a pioneering Australian film editor who worked on films including Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, Carlito's Way and Dead Calm. She died in 2024 aged 60.

Making your first film?

1. Try to cast actors and avoid friends or family (they can be difficult to direct and sometimes unreliable)
2. Ask people for feedback on your script to see where they might get confused or bored  because chances are the audience might too.  Feedback is important in the process so try not to be defensive.
3. Rehearse before you shoot
4. Shorter is often better,  it takes a really strong story to hold attention for a long time.  George Orwell said of his writing, after completing a paragraph he would go back and take out all unnecessary words, good to do the same with your film edit.  Often a 12 minute film would be better if it was only 8 minutes.
5. Cinema is a show rather than tell medium.  Audiences are smart at reading screen nuances and understand what’s going on
6. Try to avoid drawn out sequences, eg alarm clock ringing, tired character going through breakfast routine, getting into car, driving car,  arriving, knocking on door….
7. Only use copyright free music or get permission to use a song (good local bands are worth asking)
8. Use great locations (Bass Coast is so cinematic)

                                     - John Frohlich

The award carries a cash prize and, perhaps more significantly, access to Sue Blainey’s professional networks in New York and Los Angeles.

Submissions are now open via FilmFreeway and close on July 31. Festival organisers are encouraging early entries, especially from local filmmakers and schools.

Inquiries: [email protected] or 0428 138 382​

BASS COAST SHORTS
Venues: Berninneit, Cowes, Ronni’s Restaurant, Wonthaggi
Date: 19-22 November 2026