Covideo Twenty 21 showcases best films from across the region

THE inaugural Covideo Twenty 21 Film Festival in Geelong has given Australia’s best up and coming filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their artistic prowess, documenting aspects of their lives during the pandemic.

On Saturday night, the Forum on Australia’s Islamic Relations (FAIR) group ran the film festival in conjunction with Geelong Regional Libraries and the City of Greater Geelong, awarding the winning film with $500 to go towards their future film aspirations.

Cr Jim Mason opened proceedings for the event, which included entertainment from live comedians Fat and Ginger as well as spoken word artists Tim Evans and Rania Ahmed.

The 10 films exhibited many differing perspectives of the pandemic and explored topics including lockdown blues and being stuck indoors to getting out and surfing to escape the household.

“The event was a great success with a diverse and balanced selection of ten films being broadcast to about 100 people who were in attendance,” festival director Kuranda Seyit said.

“Film and video are such powerful mediums and the event really put the call out to the community to showcase and tell their stories.

“We were thrilled by how well received the event was by our audience.”

Filmmaker Kauthar Abdulalim, festival director Ayesha Bux, and comedians Tim Young and Luke Massey (Fat and Ginger) judged the films, crowning Numan Seyit the winner for his film ‘Double Check Mate’ winning the $500 prize.

The People’s Choice $300 audience award went to Charlie McGowan for ‘A Room For One’.

“While we wanted participants to gain valuable skills and grow in confidence, we also hope that the film festival becomes a cathartic experience for the community and provided an opportunity to reflect on the pandemic and to

share the stories and the emotions together,” Seyit said.

All entrants (directors) received a $50 gift card for displaying their pieces on the night.

FAIR look forward to holding the event again in 2023 and thank the City of Greater Geelong, the Geelong Regional Library and the wider community for their support.