Nominations are now open for this year’s Multicultural Film Festival, which showcases the stories, cultures and experiences of Victoria’s diverse multicultural community. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence and Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen have called for creative and original short films about cultural diversity and multiculturalism.
“The film festival is a celebration of the strength and diversity of our community and our film makers.” Minister Spence commented “I encourage everyone – young and old, from any background – to contribute their creativity and be a part of this year’s festival.”
The Minister said that film has a unique capacity to connect audiences to other points of view and can be made by, and be about, people from any cultural background. The Festival is run by the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) and supports emerging filmmakers from diverse backgrounds. Minister Spence explained that for the first time, the young film makers category will be broadened to include young film makers from Prep to Year 12. While primary students have been included before, the VMC is interested to see how secondary students interpret the meaning of cultural diversity and multiculturalism to connect with audiences.
“We’re excited to build upon the successes of previous Film Festivals and encourage everyone from all ages and backgrounds to submit a project to the Multicultural Film Festival.” Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Viv Nguyen commented “Though people may have different backgrounds, when we immerse ourselves in filmed stories of cultural heritage and identity, it’s easy to see that there is more that unites us than divides us.”
The Minister said that winning films will be announced and screened at a presentation ceremony as part of the Multicultural Film Festival in August. The Festival would not be possible without the support of our partner, Swinburne University of Technology, or without the work of Department of Education and Training. For more information or to apply. Submissions close at 11:59pm on 20 June 2021.
