Nathan Burney won $10,000 of prize money for his film INDIGO in the open category, and both Sienna Chitoni and Kellyville High School received $5,000 each for their films JUST LISTEN and IN BETWEEN in the secondary (14-17) category which saw a tie.
The ten-year anniversary of the annual film festival hosted by Muswellbrook Shire Council was a great success, drawing in over 140 film entries from across Australia. The festival’s theme, ‘Blue’, inspired a wave of creativity, resulting in captivating, blue-themed works crafted by talented individuals ranging from high school students to seasoned filmmakers.
Out of the impressive 140 plus entries, 29 outstanding films were selected as finalists and screened at the event night with over 160 guests in attendance at the Denman Memorial Hall. The night witnessed the culmination of talent and dedication, including the two winning films and a further six films receiving additional achievements.
Winners:
Best Film (Open Category) – Indigo
Best Film (Secondary School Category 14-17) – Just Listen and In Between (Joint Winners)
Best Local Film – Hidden Colours by Warrior Disability Services
Best Director – Nathan Burney for Indigo
Best Actor – Scarlett Danswan for Indigo
Best Cinematography – William Sommerville for One Tide
Best Comedy – Trudy Blue by Mason Lucky
Best Animation – Water 2088 by William Butler
Outstanding Contribution by a Secondary School – Mansfield State High School
The Blue Heeler Film Festival, sponsored by Bengalla Mining, is organised by Muswellbrook Shire Council in collaboration with the University of Newcastle.
