Free films to be screened in Drysdale

THE North Bellarine Film Festival (NBFF) and the Geelong Regional Libraries will jointly present a free program of short films selected from previous finalists and winners at the festival in Drysdale later this month.

Each year, the NBFF presents the Emerging Filmmaker Award and Emerging Documentary Filmmaker Award to a film-maker who is 25 of age or younger and is a present or past resident of Victoria.

The coming program includes films by local directors Chloe Holliday and Brie Bartleet.

Holliday’s animated film An Octopus’ Tale is the story of a young octopus who, dreaming of a new life, escapes his kingdom. The film addresses the environmental issue of overfishing and was created using hand-cut collage from vintage magazines and books.

Bartleet’s documentary Sink or Swim tells the inspirational story of Point Lonsdale resident Bree-Arne Manley, whose motto “there’s always something to do and experience” has seen her climb waterfalls, learn to surf, make music, skydive and raise a family, all while living with multiple sclerosis. Sink or Swim was the selected by the 2024 NBFF festival audience to be the recipient of the People’s Choice Award.

This event complements to Boronggook Drysdale Library’s monthly Film Circle program, where film enthusiasts meet to view and discuss films from Geelong Regional Libraries’ extensive film catalogue.

Attendees will also hear from NBFF director Bill Lussier about this year’s NBFF, to take place in November, and how they can submit their work for the Emerging Filmmaker and Emerging Documentary Filmmaker awards and the festival’s short film program.

“The North Bellarine Film Festival’s Emerging Filmmaker Award and Emerging Documentary Filmmaker Award recognise young Victorian filmmakers who show exceptional commitment to their craft and are the future of Australian film-making,” Mr Lussier said.

“This program is an opportunity to see the work of these young filmmakers at this early stage of their careers.

“This program is a must-see for all aspiring and established local filmmakers.”

The program will be screened at the Boronggook Drysdale Library on July 30 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

For tickets, head to trybooking.com/CZOAR