That excitement you feel when the lights go down and the movie’s about to start was palpable at the Stellar Short Film Festival at McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery on March 3.
DJ Nige served up cool tunes as hundreds of movie-lovers were treated to gourmet picnic packs, a mini dessert market and coffee cart as well as the 12 short films. Smashed won Best Film, picking up $3000 from Illumin8, with The Ravens judged runner-up and receiving $2000 from Roar Digital. The Audience Choice Award, with its $500 cash prize from Helloworld Travel, was won by The Eleven O’clock.
The festival’s judges were lavish in their praise, with Cassandra Magrath declaring: “By far the best short film festival I have ever been to … second to Cannes. Loved every aspect of it. Perfectly organised and wonderfully glamorous in a second-to-none location. Film selection was superb and making me feel very excited about the future of film in Australia. Highly recommend the VIP experience. Will be going every year!” Michael Caton was similarly enthusiastic, saying it was the best selection of short films he’d seen.
Carly Sheedy, one of the organisers, said everyone behind the festival was “overwhelmed” by the positive feedback from the judges. “Many remarked that the selection of films was so thought-provoking they had a hard time picking their favourite,” Carly said.
Filmmakers and judges flew in from five states to attend the festival, which included food from McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery and beverages from Dainton Brewery and Dromana Estate.