Marny Javornik prepares to hunker down for Bass Coast’s inaugural film festival.
By Marny Javornik
MOVE over Cannes and Venice! Bass Coast is having its own film festival.
Bass Coast Shorts was launched in 2021 when it began accepting submissions, and the inaugural festival will screen over three sessions on Friday-Saturday, April 8-9, at the Wonthaggi Cinema.
Bass Coast Shire Council and Australian Short Film Festivals have come together to create a new film festival, which organisers say will showcase our region and build local technical capacity in screen production.
MOVE over Cannes and Venice! Bass Coast is having its own film festival.
Bass Coast Shorts was launched in 2021 when it began accepting submissions, and the inaugural festival will screen over three sessions on Friday-Saturday, April 8-9, at the Wonthaggi Cinema.
Bass Coast Shire Council and Australian Short Film Festivals have come together to create a new film festival, which organisers say will showcase our region and build local technical capacity in screen production.
The festival received over 40 submissions in its first year, and these were viewed and judged by a panel of local experts. Awards will be presented in three categories: local, schools and open.
Festival director John Frohlich is looking forward to welcoming filmmakers from Melbourne and further afield to Wonthaggi for the weekend’s screenings.
“We want to encourage and support local creatives. Short film involves screen writing, acting, and all the production skills such as camera, sound and editing.
“The festival will also bring some of the best short films from around Australia and internationally, to give local aspiring filmmakers a chance to see other work and be inspired.”
Festival director John Frohlich is looking forward to welcoming filmmakers from Melbourne and further afield to Wonthaggi for the weekend’s screenings.
“We want to encourage and support local creatives. Short film involves screen writing, acting, and all the production skills such as camera, sound and editing.
“The festival will also bring some of the best short films from around Australia and internationally, to give local aspiring filmmakers a chance to see other work and be inspired.”
| Frohlich says local film festivals also benefit the wider community, providing a sense of community pride and a strong platform for telling local stories. “Increasingly visual story telling is the dominant form of communication, especially for young people. One only needs to consider the growth in YouTube, TikTok, and apps like Snapchat to see the power of short film.” The council is also enthusiastic and supportive. Arts and culture team leader David Burrows said arts and cultural events support the local economy. “We’re excited to build professional capacity for local artists and enhance artistic and economic potential. We also believe this festival will promote and encourage cultural tourism.” The Schools category is one way of taping into and encouraging local young people’s participation. There are also awards for animation, music video, documentary, and First Nations films. |  Screening times
Tickets are $15 per session, from the box office, online at the Wonthaggi Arts Centre or Trybooking. For more information email [email protected] or phone 0428 138 382. |