Editor

Rev opens this Thursday with a bumper 10 day program of film screenings, events and soirees. Program director Jack Sargeant gives us his highlights from this year's program. Revelation opens this Thursday July 8 and runs until Sunday 18 July at the Astor Cinema, Mt Lawley.

"Undoubtedly the highlight for local filmmakers is the Jon Reiss workshop on marketing and distribution. Having an international guest of his standing come and deliver - really deliver - such valuable knowledge is something I am really proud of," Jack said.

"There's two WA features screening this year - A Day At The Oasis and The Sculptor, as well as shorts and of course the fantastic showcase Get Your Shorts On!, and these all show the levels of talent out there. I am also excited about Nude Study, another really great Australian movie.

Snow And Ashes, a thriller about journalists in a war zone, also showcases some serious new talent, and will go on to be a huge film on the festival circuit. Sometimes the ideas and structures behind my choices may not be clear, but to me this movie sits really well alongside the documentaries Stolen and Reporter, and all three engage with the question of what news is, how it is 'created', and the way journalists function.

On a different vibe, I am very impressed with the comedies we are showing this year. I think people are really going to enjoy Le Donk And Scor-zay-zee which is a well observed comedy from Shane Meadows, and American: The Bill Hicks Story is hugely enjoyable.

"Finally, British crime drama and black comedy Down Terrace is just great, and I am proud that Revelation is screening the Australian premiere as the film has already been picked up for distribution in the US and UK and is receiving rave reviews."

The festival kicks off this Thursday with opening night film, Jeff Stilson's Good Hair - an investigation into the $9 billion African-American hair industry featuring comedian Chris Rock. Jeff Stilson is a guest of the festival and will be on hand to introduce the film and to talk with at the ensuing after party.