Short flicks and big kicks at the Canberra Short Film Festival 2018

Posted on 3 September, 2018

Film buffs rejoice – the Canberra Short Film Festival is back.

For its 23rd year, the festival will be screening short films in nine different categories: International, documentary, national, 2-minute, Indigenous, music video, animation, Canberra, and schools and under-18s.

This year’s focus is on young filmmakers in the latter category, as the festival is the ideal place for budding directors, producers and actors to flex their skills amongst some of the best films on the international stage.

“This year we have a lovely film by a couple of 7 and 8-year-old girls, and a couple of films by primary school-aged boys,” explains John Frohlich, Festival Director. “That makes me feel good; the festival is investing in future filmmaking in Canberra, giving all sorts of people the chance to have their creative work exhibited.”

Canberrans will be well represented through a range of categories this year, with local artists entering films in the documentary, music video, 2-minute films and under 18 categories.

Consistently recognised for its demonstration of prominent social issues, Frohlich says this year’s festival is no exception.

“This year we have some strong films on the issue of sexual harassment. There is also a range of films on gender politics.”

As one of Australia’s oldest and most respected film competitions, CSFF is a unique opportunity for Canberrans to explore the range of cinematic experiences on offer. Films must be less than 20 minutes long, with winners receiving a cash prize.

Last year’s line-up included Coming out of the Shadows, a documentary on albinism in Fiji, Brothers in Alms, which put a face to Canberra’s homelessness problem, and satirical Indigenous finalist Welcome To Country. This year, there were over 300 entrants delivering strange, beautiful, happy and scary stories – so expect to be on the edge of your seat.

Screenings will be held at Dendy Cinema, Belconnen Arts Centre, Tuggeranong Arts Centre and Smith’s Alternative over seven days. Tickets are on sale now and you can check out the full program here.

the essentials:

What: The Canberra Short Film Festival (CSFF)
When: Sunday 9 to Sunday 16 September 2018
Where: Dendy Cinema, Belconnen Arts Centre, Tuggeranong Arts Centre and Smith’s Alternative
How much: Single session $15
Web: csff.com.au

Image: Still from Sweet Oblivion