FLICKERFEST’S HOT DIRECTORS

Aspiring filmmakers worldwide have submitted their short films into this prestigious film festival, anticipating their work will be selected for audiences to watch on the silver screen.

This dream has been realised by Sydney film director Ella Carey, whose animated short The Butcher’s Son, has been chosen to screen at the festival.

This seven-minute short, which tells the story of a young man who takes a stand against family expectations, was a labour of love for Ella who worked closely on the project with her mother for eight months.

“I submitted my short into the Flickerfest Short Film Festival because it’s such an established and iconic film festival and it’s also cool that it’s being held at Bondi Beach,” explained Carey. “I’m so excited and the hard work has paid off. It’s amazing to be recognised and I don’t expect it to be the best, the exposure is enough for us.”

Carey will attend the screening of her short as she is interested how audiences receive her work.

“This is a very exciting time for women filmmakers in Australia, because it’s such a male dominated industry,” she said.

Matt Holcomb, another film director from Sydney, has had his dramatic short Flat Daddy selected. Holcomb also wrote the screenplay based on a short story concerning an Australian military family who replace their absent husband and father with a life-size cardboard cut-out.

“This was a unique story, and a directorial challenge. Making this 16-minute short film was a three month process,” explained Holcomb. “Filmmaking is such a complicated beast. You’re always learning something new and getting better––we’re always students.”

He added: “This is an international short film festival, a premier film festival, Academy accredited and BAFTA recognised, which means the winning entries qualify for the Oscars. It was a relief and thrilling to be selected––a stamp of approval, very positive and great for networking amongst other filmmakers.”

And how important is it to be the triumphant winner? “Being selected is a win and honour in itself, but the terrific cash prize would definitely go towards the next project,” concluded Holcomb. (MMo)

Jan 8–17. Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, opp Beach Rd, Bondi Beach. Single sessions $20.10 (Multi session passes available). Tickets & info: flickerfest.com.au