Business owners take to the silver screen

CAMERAS flashed and jazz filled the air as the red carpet was rolled out to usher in a different kind of movie star last week.

Commerce Ballarat’s Grampians Business Film Festival celebrated its inaugural debut at the Regent as 11 businessowners from across the region got to see their stories of challenge and resilience projected onto the big screen.

Each film highlighted the businesses’ pandemic operations and one of the subjects and co-owner of Formosa Gardens Nursery Katie Wright said it was incredible to see their achievements being celebrated.

“It takes you back a little bit actually, it feels so long since everyone’s been out and about so to come back to that in this way feels amazing,” she said.

“There’s quite a few businesses in the program I recognise and some I don’t so it’s good to have a bit of a range and see what everyone’s been doing as well.

“I hope this inspires other businesses to keep going and that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

Each film went in the running for a judges’ choice awards by a panel that included Federation University’s Sam Henson, managing director of Runway Linda Wong, and Mike Boyle of Sales Shift.

Attendees were also able vote on their own favourite film.

Event and outdoor recreation venue venue Cave Hill Creek took home the peoples’ award while Dimboola Imaginarium won the judges’ award, with both businesses receiving cash prizes of $2500.

Despite the friendly competition, Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillett said the night was about sharing uplifting stories of triumph.

“We need to focus on some positive messages and these 11 entrepreneurs are doing fantastic things across the Grampians region and it’s something we need to celebrate,” she said.

“They’ve had a really tough couple years so we want to make them feel special tonight.”