The curtain will raise next month on the third annual Australian Womens Film Festival (AWFF), a day-long celebration of cine-culture, created by women, for women.
Set for Nov. 21, the fest and forum unveils a judging panel featuring actress/producer Teresa Palme, writer/actress and publisher Nakkiah Lui, Edwina Waddy (producer, head of Australia content – Roadshow Films), and Grainne Brunsdon (head of content, Screen Australia).
Also confirmed is a VIP red-carpet event, a panel discussion facilitated by The Brag Media editor-in-chief Poppy Reid, and, of course, screenings of the finalist films followed by an awards ceremony.
Writer, actor and model April Hélène-Horton is emcee.
Celebrated Australian director Gillian Armstrong (My Brilliant Career, Mrs. Soffel, Starstruck) will be feted with the AWFF Trailblazer Award, while screen composer Caitlyn Yeo is to be saluted with the AWFF Groundbreaker Award.
AWFF is spearheaded by Australian producers and filmmakers Kelly Tomasich and Tahyna MacManus, to demonstrate the power of female filmmakers.
“Not only does AWFF provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their talent,” enthuses Palmer, “but it is a chance to reflect and celebrate the achievements of industry leaders. A reminder to so many that if you can see it you can be it.”
A slew of awards will be handed out, including best drama, documentary, comedy and animation, with the major prize awarded for best film.
Film submissions close Tuesday, Oct. 24. Submit entries at awff.com.au.
AWFF conditions of entry include: three of the film’s key creatives (writer, director, producer, DOP, animator, composer and editor) must identify as female; and the creation must pass the “Bechdel test”, a measure of the representation of women in film and other fiction (including the point on whether a work features at least two women who have a conversation about something other than a man).
“We want to put women front and centre in an industry that has been traditionally dominated by men,” reads a statement from organisers.
Major sponsors include M&C Saatchi Group, Event Cinemas and Disney Studios Australia.