TROPFEST TURNS SWEET SIXTEEN!
February 20th 2008 06:12
Link: www.tropfest.com
As the sun reached its peak on Sunday 17th February the domain was already begin to fill in anticipation of the evening’s entertainment and while TROPJUNIOR screened over the hill the hordes continued to arrive in droves as the tantalizing aroma of sausages sizzling on the BBQ wafted through the air. After the initial banter between Hamish and Andy in Melbourne and the boys from the ABC’s Chaser in Sydney, it was once again time for a huge supporter of TROPFEST Adam Spencer to take to the stage and entertain the crowds gathering throughout Australia as far away as Perth and even to some remote regional areas in the country.
By 6pm the Domain was close to capacity as the finalist filmmakers for this years TROPFEST arrived for their red carpet photo call before separating briefly to field questions and interview requests as the dark clouds circled ominously overhead bringing back recollections of recent years when thunderstorms arrested the screenings before time.
Celebrity guests to front the red carpet this year included a strong contingent of overseas based stars. The judging panel consisted of acclaimed director’s Gillian Armstrong and Ray Lawrence to actors Geoffrey Rush, Claudia Karvan and Naomi Watts as well as last years winner for his short animation AN IMAGINARY LIFE, Steve Baker. Other celebrities to make the long perilous journey to the VIP tent included Andrew denton, Pia Miranda and members of the cast of UNDERBELLY the controversial new television series on Australian TV about Melbourne’s Gangland War during the 1990’s while crowd favourite Chris Lilley creator of the smash hit comedy SUMMER HEIGHTS HIGH managed to get through the walk with a minimum of fuss.
The evening began on a somber note as TROPFEST Director introduced a brief tribute to Heath Ledger as friends and fans alike took a moment to remember the tragic passing of such a talented young performer. Naomi Watts, former firlfrined of Heath who met on the set of NED KELLY retained her composure throughout as cameras focused their attentions on her throughout the tribute. Adam Spencer then introduced the finalist directors and the evening was underway.
The first of the finalists ASCENSION set the tone for the evening in terms of quality as a young man is confronted in an elevator by a what seems to be a middle aged psychopath intent on dying demanding to be stabbed with a huge hunting knife to end his miserable existence. Clever use was made of the TSI as the number eight was turned on its side to depict infinity as the psychopath rants and raves about life and death. It is only at the very end that we find it is the young man who has been stabbed as his last breath escapes is body. The only other serious film GLASS concerned another young man confronted late at night in his office with dire consequences.
From then on the audience was in for a feast of quality shorts. The evening was jam-packed with a fantastic diversity of short films from the dark comedy BEGGAR’S BELIEF about a young man down on his luck who is helped by a kind soul who offers him the last thing he needs to the disgustingly funny Japanese entrant SCAB which had the audience cringing in their seats at the unsightly sore on the top lip of the private tutor. Other comedies included UNCLE JONNY as seen through the eyes of his young nephew,WHITE LINES about the trials and tribulations of parking inspectors ( a subject used in a recent previous TROPFEST), MADE IN AUSTRALIA, a Scottish/Australian film wittily mocking the perceptions other countries of Australia and THE CODE about four young schoolchildren working out how to cheat through an exam and the dark comedy SMITTEN a bittersweet love affair with members of the older generation where all is not what it seems.
Documentaries once again had a good showing at this years festival with BLUES FOR THE SOUL, LOOPED and GREAT WHITE HUNTERS where three fishing buddies paddle their baits out to sea on a surfboard as they attempt to catch a great white shark from the beach and succeed to MOUSE RACE about the illegal mice racing industry in Victoria. Filmed in sepia tones to give it that seeding underworld feel truth is sometimes stranger than fiction!
The only animation for this year was FAULT a collaboration by students studying animation at the Academy of Interactive Entertainment and those studying Compisition for screen and sound design at Canbera Institute of Technology. A mythical creaton story about a second chance to regain paradise after it is lost. But but do we deserve a second chance?
With half of the films being comedies, it seemed almost certain that once again the winner would come from this genre as most TROPFEST winners over the years have done and it seems that when they say if you want to win TROP you had better make a comedy whoever they are are completely on the money. Two of this years films looked at young love and infatuation. DUSK looks life right in the eye as two young children stumble upon a couple making love in the sandhills.
Yet it was the hilariously liberating comedy MARRY ME directed by Michelle Lehman. About a little girl who likes a little boy who likes his BMX bike. Set in the 80’s complete with mullet haircut for the little boy, the girl can do nothing right as she strives for the attentions of the little boy. First she gives his parts for his bike that she takes off her training wheels and finally she spends hours colouring in her bike so that it’s not pink only to find that nothing she does is good enough. Her final act of liberation had every female in the audience cheering and clapping and it looked certain that this would be TROPFEST 08’s winner. At the award ceremony the judges didn’t disappoint as a heavily pregnant Michelle took to the stage to accept her prize. Nervous and shaking, Michelle revealed that the story was inspired by a true story when at five years of age she chased a reluctant Jason Mahooney around the school in a pretend wedding dress (her mother’s nightie).
Michelle, Sony Tropfest 2008 winner said “I am thrilled and grateful to Sony Tropfest for giving me the opportunity to create and exhibit my work and of course for choosing my film It is a great platform for filmmakers to be acknowledged. We worked very hard on this film and to have it recognised by judges in the industry is a testament that hard work pays off. As a filmmaker, having my films seen by an audience of such a great magnitude is what dreams are made of.”
Hopefully we will soon see Michelle making features and climbing that ladder all the way to the top. And as an added bonus, Jahla Bryant the young actress playing the part of the scorned admirer took home the award for best actress.
Although the rain made a brief appearance just before the intermission, the clouds that had threatened all evening moved on as the evening progressed. TROPFEST 08 turned out what could possibly be the best ensemble of short films in its sweet sixteen year history. With the DVD to be released with this weeks local paper, look forward to viewing some amazing talent both on and off the screen.
The complete list of winners:
The awards were presented as follows:
FIRST PRIZE Film: Marry MeDirector: Michelle Lehman (NSW)
Presented by: Geoffrey Rush
Prize: QANTAS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
1ST Prize Trophy Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
Qantas Scholarship Program: Including a trip for 2 to the USA, 6 nights
accommodation, and a tailored program of meetings with agents, executives and
industry (valued at $10,000)Presented by QANTAS AIRWAYS
High Definition 3 x CMOS HDV Handycam (HDRFX7), Soft carrying case (LCSVCB),
High Grade Wide Conversion Lens (VCLHG0862), Polarising Filter Kit (VF62CPK)
(Valued at $6,196)Presented by SONY AUSTRALIA
A fully maintained All-New Mitsubishi Lancer VRX (1) on lease for a period of
12months Presented by MITSUBISHI MOTORS
$5,000 CashPresented by KENNEDY MILLER MITCHELL
A director's attachment on an Australian feature film Presented by AUSTRALIAN DIRECTORS GUILD
$7,000 Credit for Sound Edit & Mix Presented by SONG ZU
35mm ARRI Film Recording of Winning Film (valued at $5,000)
Presented by DIGITAL PICTURES MELBOURNE
Registration for the Producer to SPAA Conference or SPAA Fringe 2008 Presented by SPAA
$1,000 Customer Hire Voucher Presented by ABC COSTUMES
SECOND PRIZE - RUNNER UP Film: Uncle Jonny
Director: Mark Constable (VIC)
Presented by: Gillian Armstrong
Prize: 2nd Prize Trophy Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
$3,500 Cash Presented by the AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR THE MOVING IMAGE
The 2008 Production Book Presented by THE PRODUCTION BOOK
THIRD PRIZE Film: Great White Hunters
Director: Gary Doust (NSW)
Presented by: Ray Lawrence
3rd Prize Trophy Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
Prize: $2,500 Cash Presented by the SAE INSTITUTE
BALANCE WATER WOMEN IN FILM AWARD Film: Glass
Director: Jayne Montague (NSW)
Presented by: Naomi Watts
Prize: Balance Water Women In Film Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
Awarded for excellence in cinematography, editing, writing, directing, composing
or producing with the aim to encourage and support Australian emerging female
filmmaking talent.
$5,000 Cash
Presented by BALANCE WATER
SONY FOUNDATION YOUNG TALENT AWARD Film: The Code
Director: Murray Fahey (NSW)
Actor: Shardyn Fahey-Leigh
Presented by: Jacob Bicknell
Prize: Sony Foundation Young Talent Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
VAIO Notebook VGN-FZ28G), High Definition HDV Handycam (HDRHC9), Handycam Case
(LCSX20) (valued at $5,137) Presented by SONY AUSTRALIA
BEST MALE ACTOR
Film: Smitten
Director: Grey Rogers (QLD)
Actor: Andrew Gilmore
Presented by: Bryan Brown
Prize: Best Male Actor Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
$3,000 Cash Donated by NICOLE KIDMAN
BEST FEMALE ACTOR
Film: Marry Me
Director: Michelle Lehman (NSW)
Actress: Jahla Bryant
Presented by: Claudia Karvan
Prize: Best Female Actor Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
$3,000 Cash Donated by NICOLE KIDMAN
BEST COMEDY Film: Great White Hunters
Director: Gary Doust (NSW)
Presented by: Jamie Row
Prize: Best Comedy Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
$1,500 Cash Presented by NOVA 969
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Film: Glass
Cinematographer: Carl Robertson
Director: Jayne Montague (NSW)
Prize: Best Cinematography Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
$1,500 Cash Presented by KODAK
BEST SCREENPLAY
Film: Looped
Director: Sarah Crowest (S.A.)
Presented by: Jeremy Podeswa
Prize: Best Screenplay Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
$1,000 Cash Presented by INDIE MAVERICK
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Film: White Lines
Director: Craig MacLean (VIC)
Winner: Craig MacLean
Presented by: Joel Edgerton
Prize: Best Original Score Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
$1,000 Cash Presented by SONG ZU
BEST EDITING
Film: Scab
Director: Koichi Iguchi (JAPAN)
Winners: Junya Otsuka / Takauki Mori
Prize: Best Editing Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
Post services to the value of $2,000 (includes editing, DVD authoring &
duplication, grading, file I/O, and output to tape) Presented by MAGNET POST
Sony Vegas Pro 8 Software, Sony Cinescore Software (valued at $1,078)
Presented by SONY CREATIVE SOFTWARE
BEST ANIMATION AWARD
Film: Fault
Director: Daniel Miller (ACT)
Presented by: Steve Baker
Prize: Best Animation Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
Choice of Autodesk Animation software: either Autodesk Maya Complete software or
Autodesk 3ds Max software (valued at $5,500)
Presented by AUTODESK AUSTRALIA
THE TROPICANA AWARD
Film: Scab
Director: Koichi Iguchi (JAPAN)
Presented by: Noah Taylor
Prize
1,500 Cash & Coffee for a year
Presented by TROPICANA CAFFE
Coffee Machine & Beans
Presented by LA CASA DEL CAFFÉ
Subscription to The Sydney Morning Herald OR The Age for 1 year (valued at $350)
Presented by THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD - THE AGE
THE BRIGHT SPARK AWARDS
Film: My Brother, My Sanctuary
Director: Johnny Tran
Film: Loveless
Director: Karl Madderoom
Film: Spider
Director: Steven Woodburn
Prize:Awarded to three short listed filmmakers to encourage their development and
interest in film production.
One full scholarship to Participate feature filmmaking course (valued at $6,000)
Two half scholarships to Participate feature filmmaking course (valued at $3,000
each)
Presented by PARTICIPATE FILM ACADEMY
Check out this year’s finalist films and get a behind-the-scenes look at the festival on www.ninemsn.com.au/tropfest.
On Thursday 22nd March 2008 the Nine Network will air The Best of Sony Tropfest 2008 which will showcase finalist films, filmmaker interviews and festival highlights.
For updates on the winners check out,
www.tropfest.com
SJC 180208
By 6pm the Domain was close to capacity as the finalist filmmakers for this years TROPFEST arrived for their red carpet photo call before separating briefly to field questions and interview requests as the dark clouds circled ominously overhead bringing back recollections of recent years when thunderstorms arrested the screenings before time.
Celebrity guests to front the red carpet this year included a strong contingent of overseas based stars. The judging panel consisted of acclaimed director’s Gillian Armstrong and Ray Lawrence to actors Geoffrey Rush, Claudia Karvan and Naomi Watts as well as last years winner for his short animation AN IMAGINARY LIFE, Steve Baker. Other celebrities to make the long perilous journey to the VIP tent included Andrew denton, Pia Miranda and members of the cast of UNDERBELLY the controversial new television series on Australian TV about Melbourne’s Gangland War during the 1990’s while crowd favourite Chris Lilley creator of the smash hit comedy SUMMER HEIGHTS HIGH managed to get through the walk with a minimum of fuss.
The evening began on a somber note as TROPFEST Director introduced a brief tribute to Heath Ledger as friends and fans alike took a moment to remember the tragic passing of such a talented young performer. Naomi Watts, former firlfrined of Heath who met on the set of NED KELLY retained her composure throughout as cameras focused their attentions on her throughout the tribute. Adam Spencer then introduced the finalist directors and the evening was underway.
The first of the finalists ASCENSION set the tone for the evening in terms of quality as a young man is confronted in an elevator by a what seems to be a middle aged psychopath intent on dying demanding to be stabbed with a huge hunting knife to end his miserable existence. Clever use was made of the TSI as the number eight was turned on its side to depict infinity as the psychopath rants and raves about life and death. It is only at the very end that we find it is the young man who has been stabbed as his last breath escapes is body. The only other serious film GLASS concerned another young man confronted late at night in his office with dire consequences.
From then on the audience was in for a feast of quality shorts. The evening was jam-packed with a fantastic diversity of short films from the dark comedy BEGGAR’S BELIEF about a young man down on his luck who is helped by a kind soul who offers him the last thing he needs to the disgustingly funny Japanese entrant SCAB which had the audience cringing in their seats at the unsightly sore on the top lip of the private tutor. Other comedies included UNCLE JONNY as seen through the eyes of his young nephew,WHITE LINES about the trials and tribulations of parking inspectors ( a subject used in a recent previous TROPFEST), MADE IN AUSTRALIA, a Scottish/Australian film wittily mocking the perceptions other countries of Australia and THE CODE about four young schoolchildren working out how to cheat through an exam and the dark comedy SMITTEN a bittersweet love affair with members of the older generation where all is not what it seems.
Documentaries once again had a good showing at this years festival with BLUES FOR THE SOUL, LOOPED and GREAT WHITE HUNTERS where three fishing buddies paddle their baits out to sea on a surfboard as they attempt to catch a great white shark from the beach and succeed to MOUSE RACE about the illegal mice racing industry in Victoria. Filmed in sepia tones to give it that seeding underworld feel truth is sometimes stranger than fiction!
The only animation for this year was FAULT a collaboration by students studying animation at the Academy of Interactive Entertainment and those studying Compisition for screen and sound design at Canbera Institute of Technology. A mythical creaton story about a second chance to regain paradise after it is lost. But but do we deserve a second chance?
With half of the films being comedies, it seemed almost certain that once again the winner would come from this genre as most TROPFEST winners over the years have done and it seems that when they say if you want to win TROP you had better make a comedy whoever they are are completely on the money. Two of this years films looked at young love and infatuation. DUSK looks life right in the eye as two young children stumble upon a couple making love in the sandhills.
Yet it was the hilariously liberating comedy MARRY ME directed by Michelle Lehman. About a little girl who likes a little boy who likes his BMX bike. Set in the 80’s complete with mullet haircut for the little boy, the girl can do nothing right as she strives for the attentions of the little boy. First she gives his parts for his bike that she takes off her training wheels and finally she spends hours colouring in her bike so that it’s not pink only to find that nothing she does is good enough. Her final act of liberation had every female in the audience cheering and clapping and it looked certain that this would be TROPFEST 08’s winner. At the award ceremony the judges didn’t disappoint as a heavily pregnant Michelle took to the stage to accept her prize. Nervous and shaking, Michelle revealed that the story was inspired by a true story when at five years of age she chased a reluctant Jason Mahooney around the school in a pretend wedding dress (her mother’s nightie).
Michelle, Sony Tropfest 2008 winner said “I am thrilled and grateful to Sony Tropfest for giving me the opportunity to create and exhibit my work and of course for choosing my film It is a great platform for filmmakers to be acknowledged. We worked very hard on this film and to have it recognised by judges in the industry is a testament that hard work pays off. As a filmmaker, having my films seen by an audience of such a great magnitude is what dreams are made of.”
Hopefully we will soon see Michelle making features and climbing that ladder all the way to the top. And as an added bonus, Jahla Bryant the young actress playing the part of the scorned admirer took home the award for best actress.
Although the rain made a brief appearance just before the intermission, the clouds that had threatened all evening moved on as the evening progressed. TROPFEST 08 turned out what could possibly be the best ensemble of short films in its sweet sixteen year history. With the DVD to be released with this weeks local paper, look forward to viewing some amazing talent both on and off the screen.
The complete list of winners:
The awards were presented as follows:
FIRST PRIZE Film: Marry MeDirector: Michelle Lehman (NSW)
Presented by: Geoffrey Rush
Prize: QANTAS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
1ST Prize Trophy Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
Qantas Scholarship Program: Including a trip for 2 to the USA, 6 nights
accommodation, and a tailored program of meetings with agents, executives and
industry (valued at $10,000)Presented by QANTAS AIRWAYS
High Definition 3 x CMOS HDV Handycam (HDRFX7), Soft carrying case (LCSVCB),
High Grade Wide Conversion Lens (VCLHG0862), Polarising Filter Kit (VF62CPK)
(Valued at $6,196)Presented by SONY AUSTRALIA
A fully maintained All-New Mitsubishi Lancer VRX (1) on lease for a period of
12months Presented by MITSUBISHI MOTORS
$5,000 CashPresented by KENNEDY MILLER MITCHELL
A director's attachment on an Australian feature film Presented by AUSTRALIAN DIRECTORS GUILD
$7,000 Credit for Sound Edit & Mix Presented by SONG ZU
35mm ARRI Film Recording of Winning Film (valued at $5,000)
Presented by DIGITAL PICTURES MELBOURNE
Registration for the Producer to SPAA Conference or SPAA Fringe 2008 Presented by SPAA
$1,000 Customer Hire Voucher Presented by ABC COSTUMES
SECOND PRIZE - RUNNER UP Film: Uncle Jonny
Director: Mark Constable (VIC)
Presented by: Gillian Armstrong
Prize: 2nd Prize Trophy Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
$3,500 Cash Presented by the AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR THE MOVING IMAGE
The 2008 Production Book Presented by THE PRODUCTION BOOK
THIRD PRIZE Film: Great White Hunters
Director: Gary Doust (NSW)
Presented by: Ray Lawrence
3rd Prize Trophy Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
Prize: $2,500 Cash Presented by the SAE INSTITUTE
BALANCE WATER WOMEN IN FILM AWARD Film: Glass
Director: Jayne Montague (NSW)
Presented by: Naomi Watts
Prize: Balance Water Women In Film Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
Awarded for excellence in cinematography, editing, writing, directing, composing
or producing with the aim to encourage and support Australian emerging female
filmmaking talent.
$5,000 Cash
Presented by BALANCE WATER
SONY FOUNDATION YOUNG TALENT AWARD Film: The Code
Director: Murray Fahey (NSW)
Actor: Shardyn Fahey-Leigh
Presented by: Jacob Bicknell
Prize: Sony Foundation Young Talent Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
VAIO Notebook VGN-FZ28G), High Definition HDV Handycam (HDRHC9), Handycam Case
(LCSX20) (valued at $5,137) Presented by SONY AUSTRALIA
BEST MALE ACTOR
Film: Smitten
Director: Grey Rogers (QLD)
Actor: Andrew Gilmore
Presented by: Bryan Brown
Prize: Best Male Actor Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
$3,000 Cash Donated by NICOLE KIDMAN
BEST FEMALE ACTOR
Film: Marry Me
Director: Michelle Lehman (NSW)
Actress: Jahla Bryant
Presented by: Claudia Karvan
Prize: Best Female Actor Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
$3,000 Cash Donated by NICOLE KIDMAN
BEST COMEDY Film: Great White Hunters
Director: Gary Doust (NSW)
Presented by: Jamie Row
Prize: Best Comedy Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
$1,500 Cash Presented by NOVA 969
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Film: Glass
Cinematographer: Carl Robertson
Director: Jayne Montague (NSW)
Prize: Best Cinematography Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
$1,500 Cash Presented by KODAK
BEST SCREENPLAY
Film: Looped
Director: Sarah Crowest (S.A.)
Presented by: Jeremy Podeswa
Prize: Best Screenplay Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
$1,000 Cash Presented by INDIE MAVERICK
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Film: White Lines
Director: Craig MacLean (VIC)
Winner: Craig MacLean
Presented by: Joel Edgerton
Prize: Best Original Score Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
$1,000 Cash Presented by SONG ZU
BEST EDITING
Film: Scab
Director: Koichi Iguchi (JAPAN)
Winners: Junya Otsuka / Takauki Mori
Prize: Best Editing Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
Post services to the value of $2,000 (includes editing, DVD authoring &
duplication, grading, file I/O, and output to tape) Presented by MAGNET POST
Sony Vegas Pro 8 Software, Sony Cinescore Software (valued at $1,078)
Presented by SONY CREATIVE SOFTWARE
BEST ANIMATION AWARD
Film: Fault
Director: Daniel Miller (ACT)
Presented by: Steve Baker
Prize: Best Animation Trophy
Presented by DINOSAUR DESIGNS
Choice of Autodesk Animation software: either Autodesk Maya Complete software or
Autodesk 3ds Max software (valued at $5,500)
Presented by AUTODESK AUSTRALIA
THE TROPICANA AWARD
Film: Scab
Director: Koichi Iguchi (JAPAN)
Presented by: Noah Taylor
Prize
1,500 Cash & Coffee for a yearPresented by TROPICANA CAFFE
Coffee Machine & Beans
Presented by LA CASA DEL CAFFÉ
Subscription to The Sydney Morning Herald OR The Age for 1 year (valued at $350)
Presented by THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD - THE AGE
THE BRIGHT SPARK AWARDS
Film: My Brother, My Sanctuary
Director: Johnny Tran
Film: Loveless
Director: Karl Madderoom
Film: Spider
Director: Steven Woodburn
Prize:Awarded to three short listed filmmakers to encourage their development and
interest in film production.
One full scholarship to Participate feature filmmaking course (valued at $6,000)
Two half scholarships to Participate feature filmmaking course (valued at $3,000
each)
Presented by PARTICIPATE FILM ACADEMY
Check out this year’s finalist films and get a behind-the-scenes look at the festival on www.ninemsn.com.au/tropfest.
On Thursday 22nd March 2008 the Nine Network will air The Best of Sony Tropfest 2008 which will showcase finalist films, filmmaker interviews and festival highlights.
For updates on the winners check out,
www.tropfest.com
SJC 180208
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