SYDNEY FILMMAKER WINS BIG AT SF3 GALA AWARDS!

The judges have deliberated and the people have spoken, naming the SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3) award winners for 2017, following last night’s Gala screening at the Chauvel Cinema, Paddington.

Local and international filmmakers were celebrated and awarded over $10,000 worth of prizes for their ingenious directing and filmmaking, whilst using only handheld devices and artistic licences, delivering short films unlike anything Sydney has seen before. 

The Best Film, Best Cinematography and Best Director Awards went to Sydney filmmaker Ren Thackham for her eerie feature Rearview. Thackham’s gripping feature instantly stood out due to the innovative use of cameras and mirrors, delivering a bone-chilling story of paranormal activity.

Ren was awarded thousands of dollars’ worth of filming equipment, free public relations consultancy and entry into the Global Mobile Film Awards, where smart device filmmakers from across the globe battle it out at their equivalent of the Oscars. 

Accompanying the nomination for an award at the Global Mobile Film Awards in San Diego, Ren will also receive mentorship from award winning Director Megan Riakos, best known for her feature film Crushed.

This prize package is truly an opportunity money can’t buy, and one that SF3 founders and judges hope will raise the profile of Ren on the international film circuit.

Other award winners on the night included:

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

The runner up Award for the Best Cinematography went to US filmmaker Blake Worrell, for his feature Dissolution. This emotional drama used minimal narrative and relies heavily on emotional undertones as the audience explore the trauma of a child’s death, producing an extremely emotive short film.

BEST SCREENWRITER

The Good Profile (Le Bon Profil) from French filmmaker Anthony Faye snapped up the Best Screenwriter Award. Faye’s clever exploration of modern day social norms, and the use of social media to analyse an individual’s character, teamed with a perfectly executed screenplay secured the 2017 title.    

BEST ACTOR / ACTRESS AWARD

The award for Best Actor went to Tasmanian actor Tommy Field for his portrayal of Zachary, the lead role in Zachary V’s The World. Best Actress went to Sydney actress Kirsty McKenzie for her lead role as the damsel in distress in Rearview.

AUSTRALIAN KIDS FLICK PICK AWARD

The Award for Australian Kids Flick Picks went to Melbourne filmmaker Callum Pritchard, for his feature Behind Closed Doors. Pritchard’s drama takes the audience into a suburban home where domestic violence

and mental abuse is a day to day occurrence, and follows the abused child who runs away to escape her reality. 

INTERNATIONAL KIDS FLICK PICK AWARD

US Filmmaker Jared Press took the International Kids Flick Award. Jared’s feature The Player is a hilarious look down the rabbit hole of what it would be like if we had the power to control the actions of others, based on the roll of a dice.

FILMBREAKER AWARD

The #FILMBREAKER Award went to Anita Agathangelou, Brenton Gardiner, Kara Haarburger, John Lee, Corey Martin and Max Schleser, a group of Melbourne filmmakers for their documentary Space Van Man. The documentary follows Adrian, a quirky and eccentric man who travels Australia in his self-proclaimed space van, attending festivals and cultural events bringing bucket loads of comedy, wit and charm.

FOUNDERS PICK FLICK AWARD

For 2017 the Founders Pick Flick Award went to Hold The Pineapple, from Sydney filmmaker Ben Wilding. A comedy feature that follows an arrogant pizza delivery boy, who’s unsympathetic response to the plight of his customers soon catches up with him, leading to a dramatic fruit based downfall. 

SF360 AWARD

Iranian filmmaker Sohelia Golestani took the inaugural SF360 Award for her feature If You Go Away (Ne Me Quitte Pas). Golestani’s film shot in 360 has no narrative and explores the anguish and heartbreak felt by families that have to leave their homes, loved ones and everything they know.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

The People’s Choice Award was presented to Los Angeles based director Rafael Keric, for his feature Asphyxia. Keric's explorative drama looks into the human psyche, and the destructive and potentially fatal taboo practices and addictions we embrace, despite their devastating effects.

Head to: www.sf3.com.au for full details of Award Winners