There is no person more dedicated and excited about Australian film than West Aussie bloke Matthew Eeles. When I started writing about Australian film, the one website that I’d look to for information and news would be Cinema Australia. Heck, if I’m being completely honest, I’ve always looked at the website as one of the most essential places to read about what’s going on in the Australian film industry. What’s being made, who’s making it, and where to find the films that are being made.
Part of the reason that The Curb exists is because I saw what Matt was doing with Cinema Australia, and realised that I could help amplify the conversation. I’ll be blunt: without Cinema Australia, this website would not exist. And, to further that, without Cinema Australia, a lot of independent Australian films wouldn’t have a platform to push their reach out on. It’s a vital website, and Matt has consistently provided essential support for the Australian film industry.
So, when Matt let me know about his new film festival that will focus on WA Made films, well, I was beyond excited. Travis Akbar has literally just written up a piece about the immense talent pool that exists in WA, so to have a film festival that’s all about Western Australian films is brilliant. There are so many great feature films, documentaries, and short films that are made here in WA, so what better way to support and celebrate this talent than to have a film festival that’s purely focused on WA made films.
The festival runs from March 13th through to March 15th in 2020.
To help launch the festival, WA filmmakers have been invited to submit their films. Check out the press release below for more information.
And, as a personal note to filmmakers, jump on board this opportunity, submit your work, and if you don’t have a short film up your sleeve, then you’ve got just over a month to get one going. This is going to be a killer festival to be part of.
WA Made Film Festival is a brand-new film festival showcasing WA made shorts, documentaries and feature films at the stunning Palace Cinemas Raine Square on 13, 14 and 15 March 2020.
This festival has come to light to celebrate the talent coming out of WA, to support up-and coming filmmakers and showcase our amazing city and rural locations. The aim is to bring local audiences together in the heart of the CBD to watch and enjoy some of the best and most interesting shorts, features and documentaries WA has to offer.
WA Made Film Festival is the brainchild of Cinema Australia founder Matthew Eeles and producer Jasmine Leivers who both have a love of film festivals and supporting WA film.
“WA produces some of the best short films in the world but a lack of opportunity can result in real talent not getting the recognition it deserves.” said Matthew Eeles, Festival Director.
This exciting festival offers a shorts program and a range of feature film screenings + Q&As with key WA crew as well as the opportunity to network after each screening.
“We are excited to be showcasing a range of works, from the low-budget to high-budget, even student films – all made in WA and to offer the audience a chance to ask questions and learn the ins and outs of filmmaking in WA.” said Jasmine Leivers, Festival Coordinator.
Submissions for short films, feature films and documentaries are currently open and can be entered via wamadefilmfestival.com.au.
Filmmakers are encouraged to submit their film’s before submissions close on December 20, 2019.
