The Brisbane International Film Festival will screen five short film projects as part of Screen Queensland’s RIDE Shorts program.
The 2022 RIDE Shorts program focuses on respect, inclusivity, diversity and equality and grants $35,000 to each of the non-fiction filmmakers from under-represented backgrounds.
RIDE Short recipients will also receive support and guidance from Screen Queensland throughout development, production, post-production, delivery and distribution, as well as mentoring sessions from industry experts. There will also be a one-day boot camp and the opportunity to have an ‘in conversation’ meeting with BAFTA award-winning documentary filmmaker, Sarah MacDonald.
“Ageless” is one of the films featuring in the 2022 RIDE Shorts program from producers Sara Taghaode and Tilly Towler and writer/ director Hailey Bartholomew. The film is an intimate look at life beyond 50 which tackles some of women’s biggest fears around ageing.
“Second Language”, meanwhile, is a story centred on the Thai-Australian community and the challenges of forging a new life in Australia with the language barrier. It comes from Vorakorn Ruetaivanichkul (producer/director), Arun Ketsirat (producer/DOP), Chongchit Buchanan (writer), Bill Thankgkam (co-producer) and Joshua Wichaison (assistant director).
“Journey of Hope” follows a young make who survives a treacherous journey when he is driven from his home in South Sudan by a ruthless militant army. It was produced, written and directed by Linda Marie Curry as well as Ben King (DOP/director/writer), Anie Gray (script consultant), Ayik (Daniel) Chut (associate producer), Dut Aguil (junior editor) and Sarah Lowusing (script transcriber).
In addition, “Mitta” will screen, celebrating Jeffrey ‘Mitta’ Dynevor’s historical achievement as the first Indigenous boxer to win Gold at the 1962 Commonwealth Games, from the creative team of Miriam Dynevor (writer/director/producer) and Shontell Ketchell (producer).
Finally, “Cattle Duff” will revive an age-old crime from rural Australia as graziers lose cattle in Queensland’s beef capital. The short film is from writer, director and producer Katrina Channells.
Screen Queensland’s Belinda Burns said the organisation is looking forward to seeing the RIDE Shorts premiere at BIFF in October.
“Screen Queensland is the founding and principal sponsor of BIFF, and we are delighted through our Screen Culture Funding program to support screen events that showcase and celebrate diversity in our industry, to eager local audiences,” the chief creative officer said.
“For the second year running, RIDE Shorts has provided a platform for diverse filmmakers to bring fresh ideas and unique stories to screen, and this year’s selected factual shorts explore the eye-opening, fascinating and sometimes confronting lived experiences of under-represented communities.”
Josh Martin, CEO of the Brisbane International Film Festival, said the RIDE Shorts program played a vital role within the film festival’s program offering.
“Last year’s RIDE Gala event sold-out quickly and was a wonderful night, showcasing incredible local filmmaking talent across a range of diverse backgrounds,” he said.
“We can’t wait to see what this year’s five recipients will present to BIFF audiences in October and urge film-goers to get in quick once tickets go on sale, closer to the festival.”
The Brisbane International Film Festival will take place from Oct. 27 to Nov. 6.