PRODUCED by passionate cinephiles for fellow movie-lovers, Ballarat\u2019s newest arts festival is coming soon to a theatre near you.<\/p>\n
The inaugural Poco Film Fest will champion the work of up-and-coming Australian filmmakers on Saturday, 30 July.<\/p>\n
Up to 20 short films, the Fest finalists, will be screened in the Regent\u2019s Cinema One to a public audience and panel of judges, with actor Rob Carlton as MC.<\/p>\n
Local design studio Mass Motion is leading the festival, with Luke Keys as Film Fest director.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout COVID, we gained an acute awareness of some of the filmmakers in our town and region. Not everyone is so metro-based, and there are so many creatives on our doorstep,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thought it would be good to connect everyone, and try to foster hubs of creativity like you get in the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur idea steamrolled from a movie night, into putting on a film festival.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although Ballarat has the International Foto Biennale, and the presence of arts and cultural events is growing, Mr Keys said his team realised there was a gap in the market for film fans.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur aim is for the Poco Film Fest to be a biennial event that helps to make Ballarat a place that\u2019s known for putting on varying cultural events in winter.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn its first year, it will culminate in a one-night event, showcasing many of the entries we\u2019ve been receiving in the last six months from all over Australia, including amazing entries from our region, award-winners, and student films,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re really hoping the community get behind it and take ownership. In two years\u2019 time, it could grow into something even bigger, maybe held over a week or two, and in more venues.\u201d<\/p>\n