This year is 25th year of Flickerfest, Australia’s on Academy and BAFTA recognised competitive short film festival. The competition officially took place at the Bondi Pavillion in January this year but is now on tour around the nation to spread the word about Australia’s talented film makers.
As part of the event’s national tour, Flickerfest made a pit stop at Canberra’s very own Dendy Cinema on Thursday 17 March for one night only.
As a first time Flickerfest viewer I was very impressed and moved by the short films showcased. The event commenced with an introduction by very excited, Canberra born Director Vanessa Gazy, as she talked about her film ‘Foul.’
Being able to find a secluded farm house, set in the Canberra landscape made her film such a success – along with an amazing cast, including great Australian actor Geoff Morrell. The young Director seemed very proud of her film and the applause after it was shown proved that the audience were moved by the film as well.
Carol D’Arcy, the sister of film maker Joe D’Arcy introduced their powerful short film ‘Je Suis Un Crayon.’ The film was created from pencil sketches to pay homage to the three million people in France who marched in support of unity, peace and freedom of expression and died as part of the ‘Je Suis Charlie’ massacre of January 2015.
10 films were showcased at the showcase, and each one was individually unique and moving. From a heart breaking story of a young father lost at war in ‘Flat Daddy,’ to a funny take on Australia from a foreign perspective, in Claymation film ‘Ernie Biscuit,’ Flickerfest 2016 connected a whirlwind of emotions into one viewing experience.
