Organisers for Port Lincoln’s annual film competition are calling for entrants as the local answer to the Oscars enters its 11th year.
The FAME (Film and Music Entertainment) Awards will brighten Port Lincoln on 28 July. Organising member Valerie Staunton is calling on locals to dust off their cameras, create an entry and walk the red carpet.
“It’s like the Oscars, but better,” Ms Staunton said.
With $500 on offer for best short film or music video, the event has been a boost to Lincoln’s creative minds for more than a decade. Entries for this year’s awards will close 30 June.
Previous Industry Incentive Award winner Ellie Cheesman said events like FAME were important for local artists chasing the next step in their career.
“The awards add a legitimacy which can be an advantage when applying for competitive grants so that you can make more projects,” she said.
“These awards are not just important for the individual artist but for all the artists in their circles, including inspiring the little/budding artists they support, mentor, and work with.”
Recognition at events like FAME helps artists to keep going, Ms Cheesman said.
“Sometimes when you’re making art, particularly in a regional area, it has its challenges and can feel a bit like you’re just putting things into a void, but awards like FAME are encouraging because they say that people are actually looking at your work, and they like it, and what you’re doing matters a little bit,” she said.
“Valerie Staunton and Mark Thomas said some beautiful words about my work last year, which was so touching to be appreciated.”
Entries must be five minutes in length and be all original. There are categories for open and under 15 categories. Aside from judges’ categories, there is a People’s Choice Award which is decided on the night.
“There’s something for everyone,” Ms Staunton said.
“It’s always a variety. Animation, claymation, stop motions, documentary, sci-fi, horror stories.”
Ms Cheesman’s winning entry TANDEM was about two friends in Port Lincoln who create together.
“It was about two teens in Port Lincoln who use dance and the arts as a way to transcend,” she said.
“The film’s about the magic of friendship and it explores the beautiful feeling of being creative with someone.”
