Close to a thousand people turned out to support the next wave of Australian filmmaking talent for the 12th Peninsula Film Festival, presented by Lexus of Brighton, at Rosebud’s Village Green over the weekend.
The three-day stellar festival opened with the screening of the newly released movie Poker Face, starring and directed by Russell Crowe, featuring festival director Steve Bastoni and festival judge Dan MacPherson.
Under the stars at the Village Green, film buffs were treated to 20 short films, with the 12 finalists competing for $30,000 in cash and prizes.
Judged by some of Australia’s finest film and television actors, Dan MacPherson, Lachy Hulme, Michala Banas, Chrissie Swan, Georgina Haig and highly acclaimed screenwriter Shaun Grant, the next generation of filmmaking talent were showcased.
“We are thrilled to have showcased another incredible Peninsula Film Festival which welcomed close to a thousand locals and visitors to be part of this special three-day festival,” said Festival founder and event director, Steve Bastoni.
“We are already looking forward to the 2024 Peninsula Film Festival, with a new line-up of brilliant directors, writers and actors showcasing their work. The festival went off with a bang with movie lovers enjoying a night of great films, great company in a terrific atmosphere.”
Festival patron and Golden Globe winning director, Fred Schepisi praised this year’s short movies, saying: “It was the best bunch of films we’ve seen yet.”
A filmmaking workshop was also held over the weekend, providing expert advice on making short films in a hands-on session with some of Australia’s leading film makers.
The date for the Peninsula Film Festival 2024 will be announced in the coming months. For more information, visit: www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Peninsula Film Festival Co-founder Steve Bastoni and Peninsula Film Festival Judge Dan MacPherson (supplied)
PENINSULA FILM FESTIVAL SHORT FILM WINNERS:
1st Prize Winner
Victim by Robin Summons
2nd Prize Winner
Hatchback by Riley Sugars
3rd Prize Winner
Assets by Charlotte George
Best Cinematography
Carl Allison (Hairsucker)
Best Actor
Miriam Glasser (Assets)
Best Documentary
Sanctuary by Timothy Brown and Michael Portway
Best Animation
New Life by Mark Bernard
Woodleigh School Emerging Filmmaker Award
Gen Z by Amie Zwag
Gen U (mental health category)
Djaambi by Joel Brown