MANLY SCREENWORKS 2001

Attewell is thrilled with the quality of entries to date. “There are films that cover issues of youth, race, gender and politics,” he says. “There are comedies, dramas, docos and animations, as well as two multi-media works. There are films that explore the concept of protest on a global scale, and others that focus on the personal protests of one person against another.”

Other short film festivals have themes or items (eg Tropfest entries this year have to include ‘match’ in some interpretation) but Manly ScreenWorks is unique in having social discussion themes. In the past, these have included the environment and Being Australian.

Screenworks is a non-profit Festival, now under the directorship of Boyd Attewell, who runs on enthusiasm and dedication. “ScreenWorks conducts a film festival that encourages and promotes new and established independent film makers,” he says. “This is achieved by providing filmmakers with a forum to present works that are new, challenging and incisive. Creators of these works deserve recognition and assistance to further their craft. Our festival audiences should be entertained, informed and challenged.”

ENTRIES RECEIVED SO FAR
An Australian fantasy/comedy called Slipper, written and directed by Glenn Fraser. Conceived and featuring Ineke Rapp as Miranda. Miranda is a modern day princess with old fashioned values. She’s also a sexual being who can’t seem to nail down her perfect mate. Lacking the voice to ask what she wants she undertakes a unique quest. She emerges as a very modern kind of woman!

Inna Dreemin’ is a documentary that deals with the issues of identity, tolerance and heritage among young indigenous Australians. The film is by
Paula Mailman and was produced as part of Metroscreen’s Indigenous Mentor program.

Dare to Dream is a drama fantasy by Adrian Wills. It also came out of Metroscreen’s Mentor program. The performances, effects and mise en scene are striking.

Street Talk – an entry from New Zealand by Tessa Hoffe. A comedy where nothing is sacred - not protesters, not ministers of state, and certainly not cream pies!

Comfort Zones is a drama by Reuben Field. Reuben is only 19 but has already had his work selected for screening at the Art Gallery of NSW and on SBS. This film looks at the agonising choices of conformity versus rebellion. Reuben wrote, directed, produced, shot and edited the film. He is a resident of Manly.

Kyoto Now by Jonathan Cohen. This is the comedy that a television network commissioned but decided it was too hot to handle. It’s a cutting commentary on Australia’s acquiescence to the US withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol. Undue influence? You be the judge.

Causes, a short animation by Joseph Brumm. A beautiful and whimsical animation that connects a butterfly, a fast food chain and….we won’t spoil the ending.

A Plantation is Not a Forest by Tim Cadman. This is an animation that is the combined work of forest activists in Northern NSW and Brazil.

4 Boys and a Baby – a personal account of the birth of a child. What’s the protest? If you’re in labour and your partner is pointing a video camera at you, you’ll know!

For a Living by Melissa Anastasi. Dramatic cinematography. A cold hard look at your 9 to 5 routine.

Published August 9, 2001