Steve Bastoni, a well-known Australian actor and PLFF Director, has been committed for several years to celebrating Broken Hill’s extraordinary movie-making credentials through this event. The support he achieves from a range of sponsors enables PLFF to be offered ‘free’ to the local community.
The event kicked off with a launch at Broken Hill’s iconic Silver City Cinema and a screening of the Australian movie ‘The Drover’s Wife’. Two local Broken Hill boys, Josh and Nash Zammit, starred in the movie, which was directed by Leah Purcell. Both Josh and Nash attended the launch and gave an insight into the making of the movie with a Q&A hosted by PLFF Director, Steve Bastoni.
Saturday night featured the popular short film festival, with Australian stars John Waters, Samuel Johnson, and Carla Bonner travelling to Broken Hill to judge the 12 short listed finalists. Cobalt Blue’s Approvals Manager, Dr Bruce Blunden, also attended the short film show-case, along with some other members of the Cobalt Blue team. Dr Blunden was honoured to be called upon to announce one of the short film category winners on the night.
The capability of short film-makers entering the competition was of a very high standard. ‘Animal Work’ (Zac Marrinan) took home first prize and $1K cash, second prize went to ‘Hot Privilege’ (Greta Lee Jackson and Tanya Hennessey), and third went to ‘Figure Out’ (Jianhui Zhang). Performances by drag queen Amanda Screetly, and country singer Sharna Burcher, entertained the large crowd.
Film making and acting workshops were held on Sunday, where locals every year can participate and learn from the experts. Participants this year had the unique opportunity of learning from Sam Johnson, John Waters, and Carla Bonner, who are well known in the Australian film industry. The workshops enabled sharing of ideas, stories, techniques, and experiences.
Steve Bastoni said, “the event has been embraced by the local community and organisers were pleased to see many people travelling into the region for the Festival.”
With the 2023 PLFF dates to be announced soon, Steve Bastoni said: “The past two years has seen the event tailored to fit our COVID climate, but with 2023 planning underway, organisers are pleased to announce the Saturday short film festival will move back outside to its original home in Sturt Park.”
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