FASHFEST shouts out to filmmakers

Posted on 2 July, 2016

Lights. Camera. Action.

FASHFEST has always been more than a red-carpet fashion event. Woven into the guest experience is original short films—dynamic, ambitious and vibrant, and for 2016, FASHFEST is casting its net wider than ever before, calling for emerging or experienced filmmakers from the Canberra region and beyond, to conceive and direct films reflecting this year’s themes.

FASHFEST 2016 will showcase six separate shows over three days (29 September to 1 October), each curated and truly unique. While the themes are yet to be publicly announced (stay tuned), FASHFEST is challenging filmmakers to get their creative juices flowing and apply for the chance to have their work screened before a national and international audience.

Each team must deliver a film linking a FASHFEST theme to Canberra, inspiring the audience to see the capital a new way.

“We want filmmakers to push the boundaries and give the audience another layer of experience,” says Georgina Jenkins, co-founder of Canberra’s By George Studios, a major FASHFEST partner. “Applicants will be judged on their strength and originality of concept, interpretation of theme, and strength of their team. And although filmmakers over 18 years of age from around Australia are eligible, preference will be given to Canberra region filmmakers, so FASHFEST is a great opportunity to develop and showcase local talent.”

Just as exciting for FASHFEST guests passionate about arts and culture, is that each film will feature a music track provided by one of the official musicians selected this year by FASHFEST Director of Music, Ashley Feraude.

Selected filmmakers will receive $1,000 cash to support production. The ACT Screen Industry Association is supporting the initiative by providing public liability insurance as well as a year’s membership (valued at $550). Catering is even covered, by Fresh2Go (CIT Student Association).

Guidance and support for the filmmakers will come from Georgina and Robb Shaw-Velzen, ASC, Creative Director of Film for FASHFEST and co-founder of By George Studios.

Georgina is a writer and producer of award-winning short films, including Past Imperfect. Robb is a multi-award-winning cinematographer who has won 13 Australian Cinematographers Society Awards, including a coveted Golden Tripod. He has been granted ACS accreditation by the Australian Cinematographers Society. Since 1963, only 371 members have been granted accreditation and Robb is the only ACS accredited member still living and working in the ACT.

So here’s the deal. If you’re a filmmaker, or know someone who is, get them to check out the creative brief on the FASHFEST website.

Applications close Monday 18 July.