Southern Cross University screens National Campus Film Fest

A selection of some of the best original student short films from across the country are set to impress on the big screen when Southern Cross University and North Coast TAFE co-host the 2011 National Campus Film Fest.

The National Campus Film Fest is a free public event to be held at the Star Court Theatre in Lismore on Wednesday, September 14 at 7.30pm.

A total of 40 entries were received from students attending 11 universities and TAFEs around the country, including New South Wales (25 entries), ACT (four), Victoria (four), Western Australia (four) and South Australia (three).

“The National Campus Film Fest is a celebration of original student filmmaking,” said national coordinator Ann-Maree Wilkinson.

“This national tertiary film competition encourages entries from amateurs and expert filmmakers alike,” Ms Wilkinson said. “It is great to see an increase in entries this year!”

The films will be judged on entertainment value, originality, innovation and soundtrack rather than technical skill. The finalists are competing in three categories: Best Short Film (maximum duration of eight minutes); Best Music Clip (maximum duration of three minutes); and Best Infomercial (maximum duration of two minutes).

All winners will receive $500 each and will be announced on the night.

The films (excluding People’s Choice) will be judged by a panel made up of J’aimee Skippon-Volke, director of the Byron Bay International Film Festival; Cynthia Connop, chair of Screenworks; and local filmmaker, Brendan Shoebridge.

A prize of $500 is also up for grabs in the People’s Choice category. Voting is open now and closes at 5pm (AEST) September 12. To vote for your favourite film go to www.vimeo.com and search videos for 2011 NCFF.

There is also an unexpected bonus.

“If I like any of the films that I see I’ll be asking those filmmakers to submit their work into the 2012 Byron Bay International Film Festival which runs from March 2-11,” said the festival’s director, J’aimee Skippon-Volke.

Ms Skippon-Volke was part of last year’s judging panel.

“I really enjoyed seeing the films and the range of talent that was out there in 2010, so I’m looking forward to seeing what this new batch of filmmakers has to offer,” she said.

“It’s important for them to embrace the fact that you don’t have to live in metropolitan areas in order to create your films. Often filmmakers have to go away on set or documentary-makers have to follow their subjects.

“That’s part of the appeal of hosting the National Campus Film Fest here in Lismore, helping to brand the Northern Rivers region as a centre for filmmaking.”

It is the second time Southern Cross University and North Coast TAFE have held the National Campus Film Fest in Lismore after an inaugural hosting in 2010.

For more contact Ann-Maree Wilkinson at Southern Cross University’s Office of Sport & Cultural Activities via email ann-maree.wilkinson@scu.edu.au or on 02 6620 3889.
Photo: Image from "Nudie", a short film by Southern Cross University student and 2010 National Campus Film Fest runner-up, James Wilson.