The fifth instalment of the Perfect Light Film Festival in Broken Hill is on this weekend.
It’s three days of fun, creativity and a chance for film-makers to show off their work to a big audience.
Festival founder and director, Steve Bastoni, said there’s something for everyone to enjoy and is impressed with the level of quality films.
“We’ve got some amazing films this year and a couple of good local entries as well.,” he said.
“There’ a lot of quality entries this year so looking at a pretty high standard.”
Yesterday, the festival’s first day saw a free screening of the highly anticipated film The Drover’s Wife: Legend of Molly Johnson at the Silver City Cinema.
Broken Hill lads Jobe (12) and Nash (9) Zammit were cast for roles in the film.
Their mum, Renee, admitted to being overwhelmed with proud emotions when she got to see her boys on the big screen.
She said her sons are super keen to add to their list and want to continue to develop their skills in the field.
“They absolutely loved it,” Renee said. “They always ask me to look out for more opportunities.
“They were really good at it and I’ll support anything they want to do.”
The young stars were flown to Sydney to work on a professional set for the very first time.
Jobe can’t wait for the next role and said his first role would be a lasting memory having done it alongside his brother.
“That was pretty good because we’ll remember it forever,” he said.
“I reckon I would because it’s a bit of fun. I got the experience and now I really love it.”
Nash said the experience was “really good” and is interested in giving it another go in the future.
Today, about 20 short films will be shown at the local Civic Centre in front of community members and this year’s celebrity judge panel featuring John Waters, Carla Bonner and Samuel Johnson.
Pre-film entertainment will be by Amanda Screetly and Sharna Burcher before the pictures light up.
The 12 finalists will all be in with a chance to take home the cash prizes on offer, with $1000 going to the first place and other bonuses.
“We provide connections for our winning film-makers to FaceTime with big producers and distributors,” Mr Bastoni said.
“We’ve had a couple of our alumni go on to forge really good careers.
“One of the things we pride ourselves on is providing those pathways for people to further their experience in filmmaking and make connections to serve them into the future.”
Workshops designed to learn filmmaking skills taught by industry professionals will be held at the Civic Centre tomorrow at 10am.
Similar workshops for kids will also occur early next week at the Westside Plaza.
Mr Bastoni said he hopes the film festival can continue nurturing and promoting locant talent well into the future.
“We are very proud of what we do and we love bringing film awareness and screen culture to regional communities,” he said.
“Particularly a place like Broken Hill which is so rich in film tradition and visually stunning.”
He thanked Broken Hill City Council, all the sponsors and the festival’s organising team with special mention to producer Meg Pascoe.
For the full program or workshops details, visit www.perfectlightfilmfestival.com.au or the Perfect Light Film Festival Facebook page.
