Lights dim on successful festival, until next year

THE lights have dimmed and the North Bellarine Film Festival is over, but organisers say it will be back again next year.

The inaugural festival, which ran from November 17 to 19, attracted audiences from across the Bellarine, Geelong and Melbourne.

The three-day event is now on the official calendar for the Potato Shed in Drysdale where it was held.

Opening night saw more than 100 film buffs walking the red carpet and enjoying a sparkling pre-film event. Many film-makers were among the crowd.

The festival was opened by Dr Shaun Wilson, an academic and film-maker, who ran several events during the weekend including a film symposium and virtual reality lab at the Portarlington Neighbourhood House.

Audiences flocked to four international films and a free program of Australian short films.

International animation short films plus a children’s film were also included over the weekend.

Festival director Vic Ryall is already making plans for next year.

“We are delighted with how the community has embraced this event and look forward to bringing quality films to the region in the future,” Mr Ryall said.