Committee for Lorne -Lorne Film backs Australian independent filmmakers

Lorne Film is back after a three-year hiatus on July 26-28. This year, the well-loved festival will exclusively showcase Australian independent films. Two world premieres will be screened in its feature-length film program, plus a special effects seminar, and three short film sessions, an industry panel, and other events.

Lorne will be awash with filmmakers and creatives over the weekend, boosting the town’s winter tourism.

The films to premiere are Stringybark, created by Geelong students Ben Head and Ben Thompson, and Filterphonic, a musical drama created by respected Melbourne director Lee Galea.

Twenty-one-year-old director Ben Head and 20-year-old cinematographer and editor Ben Thompson are the creative minds behind Stringybark, a drama about criminal brothers Daniel and Ned Kelly. Both said they’re thrilled to have the opportunity to see their crowd-funded project come to life.

“Stringybark is exclusively screening at Lorne Film, and we can’t wait for everyone to see it. The story of Ned Kelly has entertained audiences for more than 100 years but has often been romanticised with the passage of time.

Our film focuses on the pivotal events that earned Ned his notoriety – the murder of police officers at Stringybark Creek,” says Ben Head.

Darren Markey, originally from Geelong, is a screenwriter and one of the founders of Lorne Film. His supernatural thriller film The Unlit was filmed partly in Lorne and will be showcased during the special effects seminar on Saturday July 27. Darren is excited to host the return of Lorne Film this year and says the future of Australian film is bright.

“We had three times the number of short film entries this year compared to the last festival in 2016, which is incredible. It’s great to see Australian independent film growing in a big way, and that filmmakers from all over the country wanted to be part of Lorne Film.

“The festival is about bringing people together in a celebration of Australian film and the beautiful location that is Lorne. We’re expecting people to travel from all over the state to experience and be part of Lorne Film’s return this year.”

The highly anticipated visual letter film 2040 directed by Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film), will screen at the festival for families and young people alike to enjoy.

The only G-rated film of the festival explores what the year 2040 could be like if mankind were to embrace the eco-friendly solutions that are already available to improve the environment. 2040 will screen at Lorne Theatre on Saturday July 27.

Events & Passes
Movie-goers can choose to purchase from a variety of festival passes to experience Lorne at its finest this winter. Festival events include Opening Night celebrations at CUDA Bar from 7.00pm on Friday July 26, and the Lorne Thought Filmmaker Q&A at 2pm on Saturday July 27.

MoVida Lorne has partnered with Lorne Film to offer a Saturday night dinner and movie pass, which includes seven courses, wine and admission to Locusts for $85 per person.

The Lorne Film Premium Pass ($150) allows admission to Opening Night, all film screenings, and Lorne Thought.

The Lorne Film Festival Pass ($95) admits guests to all film screenings throughout the festival.

Couples may choose to spend their weekend at QDOS Tree House with the QDOS Select Pass for two ($695), which includes Opening Night, two night’s stay and breakfast, as well as access to all film screenings across the weekend, and Lorne Thought.

Other passes and individual film tickets can be purchased via the Lorne.

Head to lornefilm.com.