|
After the double disappointment of both the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival and the associated ACS/GFS masterclass with Don McAlpine ACS ASC falling victim to the many COVID cancellations, it was great that a version of the film festival eventually went ahead.
The wonderful old Royal Theatre Outdoor Picture Show is the main evening venue. State of the art digital projection gear is brought up by road. The experience of laying back in canvas seats under the stars to watch a film on the big screen is unmatched. Although it can get interesting if it rains, which it did on one night. But the show went on.
Winton and the surrounding area has so many wonderful locations and many films have taken advantage of both the scenery and the helpfulness of the local community and the shire council. The Proposition was one of many.
Griffith students are also here doing their usual short project which will be shown on the final evening. I’ve even got one in the short film night this year. A colleague found a piece he and I had done here in 1980 about the Winton to Longreach endurance ride to raise funds to build the Stockman's Hall Of Fame. It was quite a shock to see it after all these years. 16mm reversal 7240 and 7250 with an ARRI 16BL. It was a bit of a struggle shooting verité in the dead of night in those days. On Tuesday night we had the world premiere of locally made film ‘A Guide To Dating At The End Of The World’, shot by Simon Chapman and Jason Hargreaves, assisted by Lucas Tomoana. Actors Tony Brockman and Kerith Atkinson with director Samuel Gay were on hand to introduce the film.
The dates for next year’s festival have been announced. The 2021 dates are June 25 to July 3 and the Outback Cinematography Masterclass will follow immediately after. See you in the outback. Never been? You’ll love it.
Cheers,
Mick
The Vision Splendid Outback Film Film Festival, Winton, QLD
|
