The Andrews Labor Government has shored up support for Australia’s longest-running short film event, St Kilda Film Festival, with confirmation of funding through to 2018. Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley recently announced the Labor Government will back the Festival for a further two years with funding to support the event to plan and flourish.
“St Kilda Film Festival is an iconic event that doesn’t just bring crowds to St Kilda, it spreads its wings across the state giving regional and suburban audiences the opportunity to experience films by our best and brightest.” Mr. Foley commented.
Foley said that the St Kilda Film Festival is a celebration of Australian filmmaking talent. Produced by the City of Port Phillip, it draws over 12,000 people to venues in and around St Kilda to see screenings of Australia’s top 100 short films as well as the SoundKILDA music video program and shorts by filmmakers under 21 years old. Mr. Foley went on to explain that the Festival also includes an extensive professional development program for emerging filmmakers that includes forums, workshops and talks covering all aspects and fields of the industry, from screenwriting to sound design, producing and performance. Films included in the Top 100 are in the running for prizes and awards worth over $50,000 including the $10,000 award for Best Short Film. The festival is also accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which means winning films – both narrative and documentaries – are eligible for Oscar consideration.
“Many films screened at the festival have gone on to be recognised internationally, including at the Oscars and Cannes Film Festival. I look forward to seeing the talent the festival uncovers this year.” Mr. Foley commented

The 34th St Kilda Film Festival will run from 18-27 May 2017. Entries are now open and close on 27 January. For more details