The silver screen returns to Heathcote

The RSL Hall will be transformed into a cinema at the beginning of September when the Heathcote Film Festival once again offers up a diverse program of short films.

A new committee has taken up the challenge of organising the annual event and spokesperson Duncan McGann said they had inherited an impressive legacy.

“In previous years it has been oversubscribed and quickly sold out,” he said. “So the new committee is expanding the event.”

Mr McGann said the Friday night session would be informal with free popcorn, while the Saturday night gala dinner would include a three-course meal.

“Both evenings are seated at tables of eight,” he said. “But don’t panic If you are a smaller group or an individual, as the organisers can help you join a table and make new friends.”

Mr McGann said the social aspect of the film festival was important.

“We’re hoping to strengthen community bonds, getting people in a room who might not necessarily know each other,” he said.

“We have also talked about broadening the film festival, because at the moment it’s a film night and it’s either just the films or it’s the dinner and films.

“But next year we’re looking at going to some smaller venue such as Palling Bros, maybe a couple of wineries and having a small setup with a collection of films that are suitable for each of those venues and there would be more of a connective community feel to it.”

Tickets for this year are now available from the festival website.