PRESS RELEASE
The Australian Womens Film Festival (AWFF) – a short film festival created by women, for women – is returning for its third year on Tuesday November 21st 2023 at Event Cinemas, George Street in Sydney.
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased via www.awff.com.au.
Joining the all-female judging panel for 2023 are Teresa Palmer (Actress & Producer), Nakkiah Lui (Writer, Actress & Publisher), Edwina Waddy (Producer, Head of Australia Content – Roadshow Films), and Grainne Brunsdon (Head of Content, Screen Australia).
The program will include a VIP red-carpet event, a curated panel discussion moderated by Variety Australia Editor-In-Chief, Poppy Reid and screenings of the finalist films followed by an award presentation.
During the Festival, AWFF will also honour Director, Gillian Armstrong with the AWFF Trailblazer Award, and Screen Composer Caitlyn Yeo with the AWFF Groundbreaker Award.
Teresa Palmer said: “I am thrilled to be part of the AWFF judging panel for 2023 alongside Edwina, Grainne and Nakkiah. The landscape of Australia’s cine culture relies on festivals like AWFF to challenge the status quo, evolve and reach gender parity. Not only does AWFF provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their talent but it is a chance to reflect and celebrate the achievements of industry leaders. A reminder to so many that if you can see it you can be it.
AWFF is the brainchild of Australian producers and filmmakers Kelly Tomasich and Tahyna MacManus (MuM – Misunderstandings of Miscarriage documentary). AWFF was established to demonstrate the power of female filmmakers by providing a platform for them to showcase their talents.
AWFF is proudly supported by partners M&C Saatchi Group AUNZ (major partner), Disney Studios Australia and Event Cinemas with major prize sponsors provided by VA Hire, Disney Lighting and Spectrum Films.
Nakkiah Lui said: “As a storyteller and filmmaker, I’m thrilled to return to the Australian Womens Film Festival for a second year. Having the opportunity to be on the judging panel last year was an incredible privilege, as it’s a festival that not only celebrates the incredible talent of Australian women in the film industry but also highlights the diverse narratives and perspectives we bring to the screen. It’s a vital platform that amplifies our voices and ensures our stories are seen and heard.
Grainne Brunsdon said: “I am thrilled to be joining the AWFF judging panel for 2023, and to be a part of a festival that encourages the importance of the female gaze and its essential role in authentic storytelling.”
Edwina Waddy added: ”The AWFF is a terrific way to celebrate female storytellers and I can’t wait to see the latest stories from this year’s creatives.”
The AWFF supports, encourages, and ultimately celebrates female storytellers and leaders within the film industry by giving them the platform to showcase their talent both in front and behind the camera.
AWFF conditions of entry include:
- Three of the film’s key creatives (Writer, Director, Producer, DOP, Animator, Composer and Editor) must identify as female. This is designed to encourage the inclusion of women in an industry traditionally dominated by males. Men are not excluded from entering AWFF, but they must be willing to work in collaboration with women; and
- The film must also pass the Bechdel test; a measure of the representation of women in fiction. It asks whether a work features at least two women who have a conversation about something other than a man.
Awards will be given for Best Drama, Documentary, Comedy and Animation with the major prize awarded for Best Film. Individual categories will also be recognised. For more information and award categories please head to www.awff.com.au.
Film submissions will close on October 24th and can be made via www.awff.com.au
