A big thank you to St Kilda Film Festival Director Paul Harris for taking the time to answer some questions.

What was the first movie that you fell in love with?
The first movie that I fell in love with was Disney’s Fantasia (1940). I was enthralled by the Mickey Mouse sequence where he played the Sorcerer’s Apprentice .

How has the St Kilda Film Festival changed since 1999?
The sheer volume of entries, which is a testimony to the large number of aspiring filmmakers learning how to use digital tools to advance their craft.

How has digital filmmaking changed the St Kilda Film Festival?
It has widened the selection process. Once upon a time the majority of filmmakers were from film schools or had some formal training. Today is much more democratic with practitioners learning out in the field DIY style

How many short films that have screened at the St Kilda Film Festival have nominated for a OSCAR® Short Film and Documentary Short Award?
Three that spring to mind are Slim Pickings, an animation by Anthony Lucas, Miracle Fish and The Eleven O’Clock, a comedy directed by and starring Josh Lawson which was nominated this year.

Any tips for filmmakers going to their first festival?
Be open to all experiences, every film is an inspiration to learn from no matter how modest or primitive.