BEST LOCAL FILMMAKER: ROBERT CONNOLLY

Filmmaker Robert Connolly has had success with films that made their way to overseas audiences, garnering domestic and foreign awards for “The Bank,” and “Three Dollars.” His most recent film, “Balibo,” about the plight (and deaths) of Australian journalists in East Timor in the 1970s, is banned and under court contention in Indonesia. “Balibo” was clearly a labor of love and dedication: it took Connolly seven years to achieve it. Lately, Connolly is moving on to other works. He is slated to co-direct the adaptation of “The Slap” and is also director for an adaptation of Henry Miller’s “A View from the Bridge.” Connolly’s dedication to important societal dramas is making him an important player in film and is branching out internationally. (Olga Azar)

arenafilm.com.au