We are gearing up for our 4th annual showcase of short films that raise awareness for worthy causes. The top ten finalists in this unique and inspiring filmmaking competition were selected in January and since then over 800 people have voted online for their favourite to win Best Film.
Although Cause Film Festival is an international festival, this year 70% of the top ten finalists are Australian and New Zealand filmmakers.
Championing the festival is Director Suki Foster, “This year’s entries were the highest standard we’ve ever had and judging was incredibly difficult. Our judges this year are all very successful in their own expertise within the film industry and they all acknowledged the extremely high standard of filmmaking and the obvious passion of the filmmakers.”
One such local filmmaker is Rachael Belle Myers, whose film “Curated Illusions” highlights the importance of road safety. Rachael who has recently appeared regularly in the press says she hopes her film will deter drivers from looking at their phones and hence reduce the traffic accident toll.
A significant 4 out of 10 of the Australian finalists’ films address mental health as their cause this year highlighting this area of concern and awareness in the local community. These films include Brendan Byrne’s “I’m here too” about teenage suicide prevention, James Hartley’s comedy “James is Grandiose” documenting a filmmaker’s battle with schizo-affective disorder, “Winter Retreat” made by Anne Brito and Nell Nakkan, as well as the humourous “Suicide Toilet” by local filmmakers Jasmin Anderson and Kevin Kim.
The Cause Film Festival Awards Night and screening of the short films is heralded to be fun-filled and glamorous event. Founder Yolandi Franken will host the evening along with Festival Director Suki Foster and this year the evening will be M.C’d by up and coming comedian and performer Prema Smith whose humour and high energy will keep the evening light and entertaining. There may even be the appearance of a star or two as StarCentral Magazine, Australia’s forerunning publication that showcases new up and coming Australian talent will be there to hand out the “StarCentral Award for Best Actor”.
With 6 awards to be won and a total of over AU$7,000 worth of prizes, including a full-page spread in StarCentral magazine for Best Actor, Australian Film Institute membership and Camera Hire equipment among other prizes, filmmakers are coming out in force to attend this fantastic event. But the top prize which is for Best Film is a donation of all the film festival profits to be awarded to the winner’s nominated charity.
The public are encouraged to come along to this glamorous and heartwarming celebration of the force of good in the world. With a red carpet entry, speakers and screening of the films, you can also join in the after-party where you will get the opportunity to speak to the filmmakers about the films and issues they support. There won’t be any fundraising going on at the event, it is purely for awareness and a celebration of filmmaking and good causes.
Cause Film Festival is held on 8th March 2018 at Riverside Theatre in Parramatta which is Sydney’s burgeoning centre for the arts.
Tickets are available now at Riverside Parramatta:
KEY DATES: 8 March Awards Night
As always, we're super grateful to our wonderful sponsors and our official media partner; Star Central Magazine
Sponsored by: Riverside Theater, Australian Film Institute, DaVinci Resolve 12, Camera Hire, Suki Foster Photography, Damian Nixey Digital Producer, Black Magic Design, White Ronin Productions and Digital Logic
