New short film competition to showcase Australian film talent

Starlight Cinema, Sydney’s north shore outdoor cinema, returns to North Sydney Oval this summer, bigger and better than ever. Starlight Cinema expands this year with the introduction of Starlight Shorts – a short film competition.

Starlight Cinema is inviting filmmakers of all ages to enter their films in this new short film festival. We are seeking films which have been made after 1 December 2007, are 8 minutes or less in length including titles and can be shown in 35mm film or DVD format.

Managing Director, Jill Keyte, said over the past four years Starlight Cinema has featured short films from the Australian Film Television and Radio School.

“There is such a strong interest in film in our schools and community - we wanted to create an opportunity to showcase talent. We are keen to give more filmmakers a chance to have their work seen. Starlight Shorts creates this opportunity,” said Ms Keyte.

The judges, led by Australian cinematographer, Anna Howard (Hey Hey Its Esther Blueburger), will select 28 films, one to be shown each night with the feature film at Starlight Cinema. The films will be matched with the Starlight Cinema themes – Wild Wednesdays, Blockbuster Thursdays, Family Flick Fridays and Summer Lovin’ Saturdays.

There are great prizes to be won.  These include cash, camera equipment, filmmaking courses and studio time for the first, second and third prizes awarded by our judges plus the Audience Award prize voted by our audiences during the season.

The 28 finalists will have their work seen on Starlight Cinemas giant 16m x 8m inflatable screen during the season and on the finals night, Sunday 1 March.

Entry details and terms and conditions can be found at http://www.starlightcinema.com.au/page/starlight_shorts.html Entries close Friday 12 December at 5.00pm.

The winning films will be shown at the 2009 Starlight Cinema program which runs from Wednesday 14 January to Sunday 1 March at North Sydney Oval. It opens with Baz Luhrmann’s, Australia, and will feature something for every film lover with The Duchess, Tropic Thunder, Burn After Reading, Mamma Mia!, Fantasia, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and Frost/Nixon. For more information, tickets and gift vouchers go to http://www.starlightcinema.com.au

A FREE taste of European Film under the stars in Brisbane

Its spring and the nights are getting warmer, so what better way to celebrate the season than with fine film, food and friends.

Under starry Brisbane skies lovers of great international film will flock to the City Botanic Gardens Soundshell Hill for a unique smorgasbord of FREE cinematic delights.

Each night from Thursday 6 November to Saturday 8 November 2008, a major European feature film will screen on the magnificent 16m x 8m inflatable Starlight Cinema screen.

The outdoor cinema experience in Brisbane is unparalleled for its exhilarating and sociable atmosphere, and this FREE festival is a great way to kick-start the summer season.

The first 300 people to register online at www.helgasfilmfestival.com.au will receive a FREE Helga’s sandwich pack on the night. So bring a blanket or hire a backrest and celebrate a continental evening of outdoor cinema at the Helga’s European Film Festival.

This year audiences will be entertained by three foreign films from Italy, Germany and France.
•    Thursday 6 November 2008 - Days and Clouds (Giorno e Novole) M. Days and Clouds is an Italian film directed by Silvio Soldini and tells the story of a disintegrating marriage straining under the pressure of unemployment.
•    Friday 7 November 2008 - The Edge of Heaven M. German film The Edge of Heaven follows characters through Germany and Turkey and how they individually deal with the notion of life and death.
•    Saturday 8 November 2008 - Welcome to the Sticks (Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis) M. French farcical comedy Welcome to the Sticks makes light of French regional stereotypes and has met huge international acclaim.

Only Helga’s combines the style of classic European breads with distinctly Australian tastes. Helga’s bakes using only the finest ingredients and no artificial preservatives. This tradition ensures that you will always enjoy the great taste of Helga’s bread.

Times: Gate opens at 6.00pm; Film at 7.00pm
Venue: Soundshell Hill, City Botanic Gardens, Alice Street, Brisbane
Food & Beverage: Helga’s gourmet sandwich packs will be available for the first 300 patrons who register. Grinders coffee and a range of cakes will be on sale. Bring a picnic and enjoy dining outdoors before the movie.
Inquiries & Updates: 1300 76 77 46

Entry is FREE, but please arrive early to ensure you get a spot on the lawn. Helga’s European Film Festival is presented in association with Starlight Cinema.

For more information visit: www.helgasfilmfestival.com.au