Entries are submitted via Film Freeway across the world.
https://filmfreeway.com/JoyHouseFilmFestival
There are three special judges this year: Takaya Honda (Neighbours), HaiHa Le (Packed to the Rafters) & Lex Marinos (OAM). All actors are also starring in Joy’s upcoming romantic comedy, The Gift That Gives.
“I decided to create the Festival after hearing a friend lament the lack of diversity and uplifting films in many existing festivals,” said Joy Hopwood, Festival Director and founding member of Diversity committee at the Media Entertainment Arts Alliance (MEAA) & Filmmaker.
“As a filmmaker I knew I had the power to help change that, so taking inspiration from my name, the Joy House Film Festival was born,” Ms Hopwood said.
In addition to Best Film, the Festival features awards for Best Diversity Film and Best Female Filmmaker. Prizes are up to $1000 in vouchers and sponsored prizes.
“We are proud to be a part of a festival that promotes joy and diversity,” said Melissa- Kate McCabe from Hoyts.
A number of Joy House Film Festival alumni have gone on to achieve international success including Jacob Frey and Markus Kranzler whose critically acclaimed animated short The Present led to careers at Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios respectively.
The event will be held on Sunday, the 12th November at Hoyts 4.30pm.
“The judges all support diversity and are looking forward to view the uplifting films which our audiences will enjoy. I’m proud to see a 40 percent increase of diverse films over the last ten years of the festival’s operation,” says Joy Hopwood. “It’s the change we needed to see in the film industry’s landscape.”
