Local film makers to showcase films

From Sundance to Stratford, local film makers Emma Burton and Kim Southey are encouraging creative minds like themselves to dust off their cameras and enter Stratford's inaugural independent film festival.

The "Under the Mountain Short Film Competition" will be held at the TET Kings Theatre in Stratford and is open to film makers 12 years and over. Emma says a panel of judges will critique the films and give away a range of prizes that have been donated by local businesses.

"We've been really impressed by the community support we have received so far, heaps of great prizes have been donated."

Emma says an important rule for entrants is that films have to fall within a M or lower rating, "other than that film makers have total creative freedom". She adds that the parameters of an M rated film can be found online.

While the pair are more used to being behind the camera themselves they will not be entering any of their own pieces in the competition.

"We wanted to take on a new challenge, and organising the event has been a lot of fun," says Kim, adding they will however show a sneak peak of their new work.

Emma says the group began making films when they were 15 and simply learnt as they went along.

"We wanted to show people that it is possible to create films on a small budget and with limited resources." She adds that this is what they are hoping to see at the film festival.

A Facebook page has been created for the event with the details of the event as well as and links to resources such as copyright-free music and tips to help those who are new to the craft.

Kim says the Facebook page has already attracted a lot of positive attention and the group anticipate a significant number of entries. "If this goes well we would love it to become and annual event and have it grow each year."

Entries for the film festival are due in by Friday, October 23, with a screening night held on November 4.

Entries can be handed in at 20B Regan St, Stratford, complete with the entry form, $20 entry fee and the film on a USB stick.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/taranakishortfilmcompetition