Short film’s local connection

SHORT film fest Poco Film Festival is making its debut next month and is inviting emerging filmmakers across the country to take part.

Among those applying for the local festival’s 20 entries is the 2021 black comedy Hatchback, whose director, co-writer and co-producer Riley Sugars said he would be “stoked” if it featured.

“It’s already starting out as a really established regional festival before it’s even played,” he said.

“There’s so much talk about it and for them to already be at the stage they’re at with the amount of hype and judges involved is so impressive and legitimises it tenfold.”

Hatchback centres on a duo’s attempts to get rid of a corpse for the mob.

The film premiered at St Kilda Film Festival in May, and if accepted, Poco will serve as its regional debut.

Sugars said the film’s reception has been humbling for the crew.

“We had one guy who was coughing non-stop, he was laughing so much,” he said.

“It’s just a crowd-pleasing entertaining film and to see the crowds really get around it has been amazing, and we’re really hoping to replicate that with Poco.”

Executive producer Darren Collinson grew up in Ballarat, and said he’s excited at the idea of returning with a successful film to his name.

“To be able to show it to my hometown and to be able to bring talent like Jackson into the city is huge,” he said.

“And to screen this to the judges, friends, families and crew, and to bring something to Ballarat is pretty bloody exciting.”

An initiative of creative agency Mass Motion, Poco will take place on Saturday, 30 July at the Regent with the top film to receive a cash prize of $8000.

For more information on the festival, visit pocofilmfest.com.au.