Film makers Andrew Robb, John Erasmus, Ayesha Gibson, Hayley Warnock, Yanni Dellaportas, Rachel Tierney and Nathalia Cerritelli at the 2024 Benalla Short Film Festival. Photo: Rene Martens.
Now in its 11th year, one Benalla festival continues to support local, national and international film-makers.
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The Benalla National and International Short Film Festival is calling for entries.
Films that are no longer than 15 minutes and suitable for screening up to MA15+ can be submitted until July 24.
There are cash prizes available and films can be entered in categories including:
“Last year we introduced the Kevin Perry Encouragement Award,” the spokesperson said.
“The first winner of this award was Nathalie Cerritelli from the ACT.
“Nathalie’s short documentary film was shot in Benalla and was based on cooking classes conducted by U3A Benalla Branch for men that now find themselves ‘cooking solo’, which happens to be the name of the class.
Judges Krista Vendy and Bruce Hunt-Hughes will return for the 2025 Benalla Short Film Festival. Photo: Rene Martens.
Last year’s local category winner, Benalla’s Hayley Warnock for her film Trail Of Dilemma, loves having a film festival in her home town.
“(It’s) an incredibly well-organised film festival,” she said.
“They do such a wonderful job at making each filmmaker and their work feel celebrated.
“Go Benalla.”
Yanni Dellaportas from the Mornington Peninsula won the Best Documentary category in 2024 for his film Beautiful Storm.
“It was such an honour and a privilege to be in the audience to see my film screened to a full house at the 2024 10th National and International Benalla Short Film Festival,” Yanni said.
“Winning the Willow Award for Best Documentary was an unexpected surprise.
“Thank you to everyone involved, including the judges Krista Vendy and Bruce Hunt-Hughes.
“All the films were well chosen and enjoyable. This is a great festival — keep entering your films to this one.”
Ms Vendy and Mr Hunt-Hughes will return to judge and attend this year’s festival on November 9 at the new Benalla Cinema, on Mair St.
If anyone would like to assist financially or in-kind please contact festival director Anna Smith on 0429 367 236 or via benallashorts@outlook.com.
Terms and conditions for entries, and more information, is available at benallashorts.com
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