Festival salvation

By Kath Gannaway
AUSTRALIAN filmmaker Paul Cox is patron of the 2009 Warburton Film Festival.
One of the most important filmmakers to come out of Australia, he is one of the most prolific, having made 18 feature films, seven documentaries, 11 shorts and three children’s films.
He has also written a number of short stories and books.
Run by the Yarra Ranges Film Society (YRFS) from 12 to 14 June, the festival features Cox’s film Salvation as part of an eclectic program of world films and locally made short films.
YRFS president Chris Dimmick said as always there was something for all tastes.
Members were excited to be running the second ‘Show Us Your Shorts’ student film competition that would screen as the opening feature on the Friday in the lead up to the official opening.
Chris was also enthusiastic about the opportunity the competition provided to aspiring film-makers commending the society for providing the forum.
“I made many shorts before I tackled my first feature film,” he said.
“It was absolutely crucial for me to get reactions from friends and foes to my early film making. It helped me later to find my own pathway.”
This year’s program includes Happy-Go-Lucky (UK), Waltz With Bahsir (Israel) Salvation (Australia), Juno (US), The Orphanage (Spain), Unfinished Sky (Australia), Little Miss Sunshine (US) and Roman De Gare (France).
A range of passes is available from single sessions to ‘festival with the lot’ that entitles the extra-keen filmgoer to attend all the sessions, the festival dinner and two lunches.
For full details of booking arrangements and prices phone 5966 5040.