First Nations future shines at film fest

WINNERS of the Koorie Youth Flick Fest were announced in Bendigo last Saturday as part of the opening of the Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival.

Two groups took home prizes, with The Proud Story by Ngatatji Bysouth, Dontae Bysouth and Tylajae Charvat, and Two Sides by Kobe McCaig and Montana Moore receiving nods.

The winners each received $1000 in prize money and their films will be played at Federation Square as part of NAIDOC week in July.

Event organiser and City of Greater Bendigo inclusive community manager Fiona Machin said the competition continues to grow with more schools getting involved this year.

“It’s the most entries we’ve had,” she said. “I think it’s a really great sign that it’s just continuing to grow and become even more popular.

“Getting the schools on board as well has really helped and it’s always such a thrill to see the response of the young people to seeing their film up there.”

The quality of the films was so good an honourable mention category had to be created to recognise those who just missed out on major prizes.

“The judges loved how the kids responded to themes on country and the creativity of their films,” Ms Machin said.

“This year we had honourable mentions because we really wanted to support what was a great year of films.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island program coordinator at Bendigo Senior Secondary College Susan Pickles was there to see her student’s films on the big screen.

“It was a real joy and I even, I got a lump in my throat watching it,” she said. “Seeing these kids and their pride in their culture was great.

“It was amazing seeing them speak publicly and being recognised for who they are and what they’re growing into with their identity as young people and their culture.”

Ms Pickles said the boost the event gives the students who entered was positive.

“The opportunity to put that on a platform is just great for their self-confidence,” she said. “It just throws them way ahead and it’s pretty exciting to see that it’s going to be played at Fed Square now.”

Keira Long and her film Walla Walla and Klarissa Hearn and her film Beautiful Just the Way You Are were honourable mentions on the day.