Elizabeth Surbey

FLICKERFEST 2024 OPENS @ THE BONDI PAV

Friday night, 19th January saw the 33rd Festival of Short Films open at Bondi Pavilion, under the stars. Australia’s largest Short Film Competition and the only one with Academy® Qualification and BAFTA recognition. A brilliantly warm night with a light breeze to keep us cooled after another hot summer’s day. As the sun set the celebrities walked the red carpet.

We were invited to enjoy a pre-event drink from the partners and supporters, from Four Pillars Gin, Gage Roads Brewing, Rosnay Organic Wines, and Saba Organic beverages. As it was opening night, we enjoyed a sparkling chardonnay.

Along with the Welcome to country by Uncle Michael, there were the usual speeches from Waverley Council Mayor, Screen NSW and the local Bondi supporter and actor Michael Caton.

The shorts in competition at Flickerfest are fiercely vying for a number of prestigious prizes, including the Flickerfest Award for Best International Short Film, the Yoram Gross Award for Best International Animation, the Panasonic Lumix for Best Australian Short Film and the Flickerfest Award for Best Documentary – all of which are Academy® Qualifying.

The selection for the opening night were a treat across the board I can barely imagine favouring one. Many celebrating women in the lead if not as performing role then as directors/producers/writers. The films last night ranged from 3mins to 20mins. There were 4 enjoying their Australian premiere and one of the most dynamic “Yeah The Boys” in style, story and genre was celebrating its World premiere. One to watch out for as it received a powerful response from the crowd.

This is a not to be missed ten-day event from the 19th – 28th January, where a handpicked season celebrates short films from across Australia and the globe. Specialist programs included in the season incorporate Best international shorts, Best Australian Shorts, Best documentary Shorts, Indigenous Spotlight, Love bites shorts, Short laughs comedy showcase, and Rainbow shorts. Celebrating and encouraging from the under 18s filmmakers is Flickerup Shorts. 

The Official Flickerfest Trailer was also unveiled, celebrating yet another classic film parody, a celebration of Muriel’s Wedding, ending in the wedding frock of the poster and up the aisle of the Pavilion steps as determined film makers themselves Rhonda and Muriel. Written and directed by Ruby Challenger – Flickerfest 2024 Trailer.

Flickerfest is an all-weather event. 1.30pm, 4pm & 6.30pm sessions screen in the indoor theatre. 9pm sessions are in the outdoor lawn cinema with seating provided. (In the case of rain audiences will move to the indoor theatre).

All sessions are approx 110 mins. ALL SESSIONS ARE 15+ (children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult), Programmes may contain mature themes & are not recommended for children under 15. EXCEPT FlickerKids & FlickerUp (are all ages)

Following the festival in Sydney, Flickerfest will share the short film love on tour to over 40 venues across Australia between February and October, 2024. Celebrating 33 years in 2024 Flickerfest hits Bondi Beach from 19th – 28th January 2024. For further information head to www.flickerfest.com.au

Flickerfest 2024 is playing till 29 January 2024 at the Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach.  $25 per session ticket. Flickerfest programme 2024

 

Published by Elizabeth Surbey

Elizabeth had a passion for theatre and performing from her youth and was a keen contributor to the joint school musicals- mostly the Gilbert and Sullivan romps. Once she headed to university this passion dominated with a 4 year stint at UNE in Armidale encompassing both performance and directing as major components of her Double Major in Drama and Major in English Literature. The year after graduation she found herself not only at the newly formed Actors' Centre but also teaching high school drama. She is still there, teaching, directing, writing for high school Drama and on the side across the years has performed in small season productions at Q theatre and directed several productions for the Short & Sweet program being a part of the inaugural group. Keenly she has represented other drama educators as committee member then President of Drama NSW also representing NSW on the National Committee at Drama Australia National Conferences. She completed her MA a century ago also with a focus on Drama & Theatre at UNSW. She is now a mum of two and recently directed her sixth Musical - perhaps now coming full circle in the scheme of things. She was contributing and consulting editor on a major Drama text for Cambridge Uni Press "Drama ReLoaded". More than anything she loves theatre and is very keen to share her experiences with this forum. Each year she directs secondary students in plays from Australia and across the globe, in productions large and small.