Page 62 - Tropic Magazine Issue 38

TROPIC • EVENTS

Festival of film

UNDERSTORY
Local filmmakers are calling
action ahead of Far North
Queensland’s very own
film festival. 1

A major event on the Cairns calendar and Documentary film ‘Naytive’ by
exemplifying the power of film to unite Shontell Ketchell and Ewan
people and communities, the annual Cutler was Best Documentary
Understory Film Festival is a priceless last year. Read more on page 63.
cultural asset for Far North Queensland.
Entering its ninth year, the festival
continues to build upon a stronger screen Every year, between 50 and 80 entries
culture and more cohesive film industry are received from filmmakers between
in the region, allowing our filmmakers Townsville and the Torres Strait, with
to articulate and share their stories and genres ranging from documentaries to
showcase their work to people who would music videos, animations, comedies,
not otherwise have access to such action, and more.
diverse content. An impartial jury of film enthusiasts
While there are numerous film festivals and industry professionals scores each 2
across Australia, the Understory Film entry based on two factors: the story
Festival is the only one of its kind in or script and the technical component There is a cash prize this year, with $2,500
Far North Queensland, specifically for (cinematography, production design, on offer each for the Best Film and the
FNQ filmmakers. Local independent audio and post-production). People’s Choice Award. Winning them
filmmakers, students and professional During this stage, the screening and both results in $5,000 in prizemoney.
filmmakers are encouraged to make awards are decided, with the audience Since its inception, the festival has grown
and submit a film that is less than eight voting for the People’s Choice Award from strength to strength. This year
minutes long. on the night. it will feature four days of films, panels,
workshops, screenings, awards, red
carpet events and Q&As with industry
professionals. The Tanks Arts Centre
Key Dates and Munro Martin Parklands will host
11 OCTOBER the Understory Film Festival over two
Entries close consecutive weekends, beginning on
Friday, 18 November and concluding
with the awards ceremony on Saturday,
23 - 25 NOVEMBER 26 November.
Workshops, inclusion
forums and masterclasses 1. Credit: Shontell Ketchell & Ewan Cutler
2 & 3. Credit: Cairns Regional Council
26 NOVEMBER
Screening and Awards Night MORE:cairns.qld.gov.au/understory
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62 • Tropic • Issue 38