by Sofia Paul
The first short film screened was Flamingo (directed by Jack Groppoli, written by Yasmine Lee Rodway). The story follows the friendship between Iris and Archie, whose signature look is a Flamingo shirt. The film dives into grief and how difficult it can be to let go of people we love.
In I Am Ghost, directed by Izzy Turner and written by Taylor Broadley (also assistant producer and composer), we meet Dusty, a spirit who inhabits his old school. A ghost hunting TV series enters his home, leading to a beautiful connection.
Rapture (written and directed by Van Ly) follows tradie Darren who faces obstacles while taking care of his mother, who has dementia.
Linger (directed by Aaryn Bath and written by Katy McLean) is a queer comedy. It explores an awkward situation where Ariel sleeps with her roommate Aidan’s ex-girlfriend Cat. Ariel then asks for Aidan and his new partner’s help to get Cat out of the house. Hilarity ensues.
Drafted (directed by Robbie Baird and written by Brandon McMahon) introduces us to Mark, an artist who has been selected to fight in the Vietnam war. When his girlfriend Lisa finds out this news, she is upset she wasn’t told earlier. The draftee’s brother James, a military police officer, has the duty of confronting draft dodgers but Lisa goes to extreme lengths to keep Mark from going to battle.
Heart to Heart (directed by Priscilla-Anne Jacob and written by Abbey King) touches us, showing a young woman grieving after her sister’s death, then meeting the man who has been given her heart. From here, Amy and Anthony develop a special bond.
Fine Bone China (directed by Emma Jackson, written and produced by Jennifer Piper) looks into a woman’s perfectly ordered life, which is suddenly thrown off course when her estranged brother turns up at her door to speak about their ill father.
All the films fell under the theme of “Rise Up” and each piece truly did just that.
However, once the final set of credits rolled, the most anticipated moment arrived.
Drafted secured the win for Best Film, with Pia Husbands taking the crown for Producing and Darren Lau for Cinematography. Jack Twelvetree also earned Best Performance for his role as James. Meanwhile Hannah Penman took out the same award for her work in Heart to Heart.
Fine Bone China scored two awards. Emma Jackson, for Excellence in Directing and Jennifer ‘JP’ Piper for Excellence in Screenwriting.
Flamingo also received a duo of awards. Maxwell Goldie for Excellence in Editing and Aref Rashidan for Excellence in Sound Design.
Jonathon Yang took the award for Excellence in Composition. He was praised for scoring three of the seven films.
It was an evening that marked just the beginning of a blossoming future for the young filmmakers.
Head to the WA Screen Academy website to find out more.
Photos by Kaifu Deng
Very well summarised.
Looks like some great talent emerging.