Silver screen lovers

By Kath Gannaway
WARBURTON was buzzing on the weekend with locals and visitors flocking to the Upper Yarra Arts Centre for their annual fix of “celluloid heaven”.
The 26th Annual Warburton Film Festival hosted by Yarra Ranges Film Society drew film-buffs from all around Melbourne and as far away as Sydney, Halls Gap and Phillip Island.
Audiences were treated to the broadest spectrum of film experience from the creative works of young film makers in the Show Us Your Shorts short film competition to the likes of Salvation, directed by Paul Cox and Wendy Hughes.
Two of Australia’s most respected and acclaimed industry players, Cox and Hughes were guests of the festival committee, reflecting the standing the festival now garners in the industry.
The pair delighted the audience providing an insight into the story and the making of Salvation in a lively Q&A session following the film, then staying on for the festival dinner.
Ms Hughes said she enjoyed the intimate atmosphere and commended the inclusion of the short film competition for young people.
“To see all these young people competing, having their films shown to an audience, and getting pats on the back for their work, that sort of encouragement is terrific,” she said.
Mr Cox said film festivals offered an alternative.
“They are terribly important because you can see films which have something to say and are not simply popular entertainment.
“They are becoming more popular as people turn their back on popular cinema and are wanting to see something that is a little bit deeper and richer.”
Sydney film-goer Jacki Largo said she was impressed.
“It’s great to see a community like this putting on a festival of this calibre and particularly to see them encouraging young film-makers,” she said.
Wendy Bergin of Warburton saw three movies including Salvation.
“It was an absolute coup by the organisers to get Paul Cox and Wendy Hughes. The film just comes together with these people here and hearing about what happens behind the scenes and what the director is thinking.”
Vicki Smart and Yvonne Waters of Yarra Junction also commended the festival’s initiative in encouraging young film-makers and spoke of the festival atmosphere.
“It’s more than just seeing a film,” Ms Smart said. “You feel part of something that’s been curated, like an art show, something that’s been put together with some thought and themes.”
YRFS president Joseph Guthrie said the festival had been a great success – for the audiences who had the opportunity to see films from around the world, for the committee who saw the successful culmination of another year of planning and hard work, and for the town which enjoys the influx of visitors, many of whom stay over the weekend.
Mr Guthrie said the presence of Mr Cox and Ms Hughes was a definite highlight and a great drawcard with the theatre packed for the Saturday sessions.
He thanked his committee and the Shire of Yarra Ranges Cultural Services staff members who he said had worked together to present the festival and had done a fantastic job.