By Travis Johnson
The fourth incarnation of #SocialShorts, the Australian Film Institute and Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts national online short film competition, launched today.
Designed to showcase the best and most innovative Australian short films, the competition runs for three weeks, across three categories: Comedy, Drama and Open.
65 films are in competition this year, and each category winner will take home a prize pack consisting of a cash prize, an AFTRS short course voucher, tickets to the 7th AACTA Awards Industry Luncheon in Sydney, and a mentorship with the #SocialShorts ambassadors, Matilda Brown and members of the Blue Tongue Films group – Joel and Nash Edgerton, David Michôd, Kieran Darcy-Smith, Luke Doolan, Mirrah Foulkes and Spencer Susser. Entries this year range from student films such as the Trop Jnr-winning Pupils, to films starring some of Australia;s top acting talent, including Guy Pearce, David Gulpilil, John Jarratt, and Shane Jacobson.
AFI | AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella noted the importance of short form film work as a training ground for Australian film practitioners, saying, “Short films so often serve as calling cards and stepping stones for our brightest emerging filmmakers and #SocialShorts plays an important role in promoting and nurturing this emerging film talent by providing a platform for filmmakers to have their work seen, shared and acknowledged by the industry and the wider audience.”
Shoot over to the official website to view and vote. The Comedy category is open now, and the winner will be announced next week. Voting viewers are in with a chance to win a double pass to the 7th AACTA Awards Ceremony & Official After Party at The Star Event Centre in Sydney on Wednesday December 6, including flights and overnight accommodation.