Shayda filmmakers, including writer, director and co-producer Noora Niasari were presented the prize last night by acclaimed actor, director and screenwriter Robert Connolly at the prestigious Film Prize Celebration at Sabina River Farm in Busselton, following selection by a panel of industry experts.
CinefestOZ Chair Margaret Buswell said, “the CinefestOZ Film Prize champions new and compelling Australian made films – and was introduced ten years ago in partnership with the Western Australian State Government, through Tourism Western Australia’s Regional Events Program.”
“Our Film Prize Jury, which comprised Chair Robert Connolly, Debbie Liebling, Mia Wasikowska, Rob Collins and Deborah Riley – assessed each of the four finalists Bromley: Light After Dark, Monolith, Shayda and The Rooster from a perspective of excellence – taking into account originality, the power of the story, the pace, structure, memorable characters, acting quality, cinematography and its alignment with the narrative, and the ability of the filmmaker to create a strong and cohesive experience in the cinema. After much deliberation over the four finalists, the Jury selected Shayda.”
Jury Chair Robert Connolly spoke about the decision on behalf of the Jury and described Shayda as “a film that introduces an exceptional new filmmaking voice, revealing with great authenticity and emotional impact a deeply personal story untold previously in our national cinema, driven at its heart by two extraordinary performances depicting the resilience and love between a mother and a daughter.”
Shayda co Producer Vincent Sheehan said “The biggest reward in filmmaking is connecting to an audience. Noora’s story and brave cinematic voice connects and starts conversations and this significant prize provides a space where these conversations can be amplified within Australia and beyond.
Noora Niasari, director, writer and co producer said “It was such an honour to be nominated alongside three incredible Australian films. Winning this prize means a great deal to me because whilst this is a specific Iranian mother daughter story, it is also an Australian story. These kinds of stories are rare but they shouldn’t be, and I am so grateful to CinefestOz for shining this light on Shayda.”
Actor and Director Myles Pollard was also named the CinefestOZ 2023 Screen Legend, in recognition of his decade long support of the CinefestOZ Film Festival as its Cinesnaps Schools Program patron.
Margaret Buswell said “Our Screen Legend is recognised for playing a valuable role in supporting CinefestOZ celebration of excellence and development in Australian filmmaking.”
“In addition to his own role as an actor and filmmaker, Myles has played a pivotal role in the development of young West Australian film talent through his volunteering with the Festival, running masterclasses for thousands of students, chairing our Cinesnaps Award annually as well as his commitment to teaching the next screen generation.”
