Australia’s unique contribution to the world of filmmaking is an international success story with this year’s 9th edition attracting 458 entries, including 28 feature films.
It’s an almost 50% jump in entries from 2022 and reflects the rise and rise of this exciting, super-accessible genre both here and overseas.
This year’s entries came from 60 countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, Senegal, Uganda, China, Venezuela, right across Europe, America, New Zealand and – as always – a slew from Australia. This year’s finalists are competing for over $50,000 in prizes across multiple categories. It all happens at Actors Centre Australia in Leichhardt.
Some featured international film-makers (and finalists!) who will coming to Australia for the Gala Awards include:
- SJ van Breda (one of the short-odd favourites to win some awards!). She is the filmmaker behind gala finalist Freeflow [pictured] – an amazing art documentary.
SJ is already in Australia and is a professional editor: her full-time gig is editing the Youtube Channels of two famous Van lifers – who between them have 1.5 million subscribers!
The trailer of Freelow is available to send you! - Feature Filmmaker, Levi Austin Morris is a Queer filmmaker from LA and a past finalist too.
He will arrive a few days before the Gala and feature Film and will be speaking on a panel about his film after our screening.
He made this horror film, Paralysis, on his iPhone in lockdown and it is taking the festival circuit by storm.
This is the film’s Southern Hemisphere Premiere. The trailer is here – https://youtu.be/K6VYnvpLNio?si=I6leKeUYR4Zim2zR - Christopher Bernstorff is travelling here from the USA as well for his Mini film, The Facts. Chris is a poet and spoken word artist as well as a filmmaker.
There are also so many great local filmmakers: including our Gala Finalists Bevan Garozzo who has Down Syndrome;
and Barry Backhouse aka “Midas with a Heel”, a local Marrickville Drag Queen who has made a very camp Sydney film.
NB also the SF3 free online masterclasses:
Wednesday 15th November at 12pm – a 1 hour Music Editing Masterclass with the Pros at Melodie – Australia’s top music streaming and licensing site for creatives.
Thursday 16th November at 7pm – a 1 hour Editing Masterclass with the legends at Luma Touch – the world’s top editing app for all devices.
And then at 2pm on Sunday 19th November at 2pm we have an Advanced Smartphone Filmmaking Class with legendary smartphone filmmaker Jason van Genderen:
“Join SF3 Founder Angela Blake as she hosts an immersive fire-side chat with serial smartphone filmmaker Jason van Genderen. From his early experimental shorts that won Tropfest NY and Sundance London; through to his viral videos about his mum that became an acclaimed theatrically released documentary… Jason will share his biggest lessons and break throughs that can help any aspiring filmmaker find their voice.”
“SF3 has clearly established itself as the best smartphone film festival in the world. It is number 1 choice. This is because of the brilliant team behind the festival. Passionate, professional and kind. A great experience and would highly recommend.”
– Chris Overton, Oscar Winning Filmmaker
“A really fantastic festival run by the team with some phenomenal industry support. They really care about the filmmakers and put on a spectacular show.”
– Joshua Belinfante, Filmmaker
