by FilmInk Staff
PENINSULA FILM FESTIVAL JANUARY 17-19
The iconic Peninsula Film Festival is set to dazzle the Mornington Peninsula this summer when it returns for its 14th edition.
The annual event, taking place over three days, will include special screenings, filmmaking workshops and the highlight of the program, the Short Film Festival. With up to 20 short films from local and national creatives, it is Victoria’s biggest outdoor film festival.
The Peninsula Film Festival, from January 17 to 19 at Rosebud, presents a diverse array of films from both emerging and established filmmakers and hosts some of the nation’s finest acting talent from the worlds of TV and the big screen.
Festival Director Steve Bastoni said, “We are thrilled to see what emerging filmmakers Australia-wide are producing and look forward to unearthing some fresh new talent under the watchful eye of our stellar judging panel, which would have to be one of our strongest ever.
“Attendees can expect a rich program featuring incredible screenings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to celebrate the art of cinema.’’
The short film festival is the centrepiece of the festival. Presented by Lexus of Brighton, it screens under the stars near the shores of Rosebud beach on Saturday, January 18. The event is a film buff’s delight as well as a feast for the senses, with food trucks, market stalls, local music performer Maddison Daniels plus local wine and beer vendors.
Australian film and TV stars, including Michala Banas (Upper Middle Bogan, McLeod’s Daughters) Gary Sweet (Police Rescue, Stingers), Doris Younane (Five Bedrooms, Heartbreak High), Shane Jacobson (Kenny, Beaconsfield), Simone Buchanan (Neighbours, Hey Dad) and Stephen Curry (The Castle, Mr Black), along with director Ivan O’Mahoney (Matilda & Me, Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story), will judge the short-film festival. The director of the winning film takes home a $5000 cash top prize.
“It’s a chance to watch the next generation of filmmakers and up-and-coming talent, with opportunities for directors, producers and actors to showcase their skills and passion,’’ said Doris Younane.
“I’m so excited to be part of this festival, as it is so important that we foster and support the new storytellers and filmmaking talent in our country,” she said.
The festival will launch at Rosebud Cinema on Friday, January 17 from 7pm with the screening of Unbreakable, the true story of tennis star Jelena Dokic’s survival and, ultimately, ascension to the sport’s world No.4 ranking. The film details how she triumphed by defying extraordinary odds in the form of poverty, bullying and extreme brutality. The screening will be followed by drinks and nibbles and a Q&A with Ivan O’Mahoney, one of the film’s directors.
The festival aims to highlight unique stories and promote local talent while fostering a sense of community through film. With an incredible line-up of rising stars and established performers the Peninsula Film Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for film lovers and those wanting a fab night out.
On Saturday, January 18, gates open for the short-film festival from 5pm. On-the-day gate sales are available from 5.30pm until capacity is reached. General admission tickets are from $10. For those looking to indulge in an exclusive experience, a limited number of VIP tickets are available at $150 per person. The VIP experience includes access to a fully catered VIP tent including a selection of nibbles, beer, wine and soft drink.
The festival concludes on Sunday, January 19, with a workshop for budding filmmakers to get expert advice on making their own short films in a hands-on workshop with some of Australia’s leading exponents. This session will be at Rosebud Cinemas from 1pm-5pm and is facilitated by AACTA and ARIA nominated filmmakers, Peninsula locals Anthony Littlechild and Liam Kelly.
“Based on the success of last year’s workshop, we are bringing back Liam and Anthony to provide insight into the filmmaking process,” said Bastoni.
Full details and tickets are available via www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au
General admission to the Short Film Festival on the Saturday 18 January starts at just $10pp, with group tickets available for as little as $7pp. Tickets are available to purchase via peninsulafilmfestival.com.au or on the gate on the day (unless sold out prior). Pre-purchased tickets get priority entry from 5pm, on-the-day gate sales from 5.30pm.
Friday January 17: Opening night film launch, $25pp includes drinks and nibbles
Sunday, January 19: Filmmaking workshop, $15pp
