Banner image: Shooting RUN (Matthew Simmons)
In contrast to last year when it was so hot that the Trop Jnr films were transferred indoors, the announcements of the finalists for Trop Jnr this year was full of shivers. At Old Government House Rotunda, Parramatta Park there was no shortage of lip gloss, leather jackets protecting young men and women from the wind and of course, caps on backwards. Nervous chatter from the young people and proud mums and dads comparing notes about other events and the legalities of copyright filled the space before a laughter filled group photo of the many creatives in front of the Tropfest Wall.
The signature item for Trop Jnr this year was RAINBOW and I had the opportunity to speak to some of the inspiring young film makers who will compete for the Trop Jr prizes of : a $2,500 cash prize and 12 month Gold Pass courtesy of Venue and Screening Event Cinemas; a visit to an upcoming Australian film shoot to meet the director, visit departments and watch how it’s all done on-set, and a DVD gift pack all thanks to supporter Motion Picture Association; a $500 film course voucher from supporter AFTRS, and a trophy by Dinosaur Designs.
Matthew, who worked with 3 mates on the film RUN summed up the group approach of the team: “Just because we are young doesn’t mean we can’t make films!” And these four boys mean what they say. Their film is set in a dystopian future where seven robots should save the world but there are only two left. We had the gear, they tell me, camera, good mic etc but when one of them got a drone for Christmas! Not only is it used as a camera but it’s in the film as well. They made their entry in just three very busy days and the boys explained that they worked really well together. Taking creative ideas and input from everyone and expanding on them in what sounds like a fun process, both acting and behind the camera.
Other young filmmakers have a more individual, inspirational approach. Katerina, whose film LOVE ELLA, is a ghost story really wanted to explore emotions and the connections between individuals. Having been making films since she was about 9, she constantly has ideas. “I can be doing random things and I think what if this ….? My ideas are just spontaneous!” Knowing she was going to be away for the break and would have cousins and aunts and uncles as willing cast members, Katerina began constructing her film early to take advantage of the beachside location. I had to keep the filming to two hours a day, she explained, we were on holidays!
Closer to home, Piper and Jade, who made DEAR MELODY, have a story set in school and about their peer group. With nothing but support they say, their film is about sexual identity and has a metaphor at its heart. Their protagonist comes out as gay and she is crushed by the slow process of rejection that follows. Each time her struggle takes a setback she is given a rock … a stoning illusion that will make a gripping watch. “We know people,” they express to me, their passion for the project evident from the whole team.
The youngest is Ivan who has only just turned 11. Ivan has already had three short films screen at film festivals locally and internationally (Homo Sapiens – winner of Youth Joy House Film Festival 2017; Snake Attack – winner of Youth Joy House Film Festival 2016; Spooky Park – Official Selection for 15 Second Horror Challenge 2016).
When I asked these filmmakers if they were heading for a career in the industry, most said yes and went on to explain whether editing, writing, animation, directing or acting is where their heart lies. Some just can’t decide yet and there is no shortage of future auteurs.
Their films will be shown in front of the judges, including Academy award winner Susan Sarandon, on February 17th.
For festival details, screening venues and regular updates on all things Trop Jr visit:
Website: www.tropfest.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tropfest
Twitter: www.twitter.com/TROPFEST
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tropfest
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TROPFEST
10 x NSW Finalists, 3 x QLD Finalists, 1 x VIC Finalist, 1 x WA Finalist, 1 x SA Finalist NEW SOUTH WALES FINALISTS Title: DAMAGED OR THE PERPETUAL LONELINESS OF BEING LOST IN A DREAM Finalist: Mason Hubbard, Jarrod Dearden, Fraser Robertson (Sydney, NSW) Ages: Mason TBC, Jarrod 15, Fraser 14 Genre: Drama, Experimental Language: English Logline: A wanderer navigates desolate landscapes in a post-apocalyptic world. Title: DEAR MELODY Finalists: Piper Stapledon, Jade Jackson (Mosman, NSW) Ages: Both 15 Genre: Drama Language: English Logline: A girl comes out to her friends and family. Title: HUED Finalists: Jessica Nipperess (Mudgee, NSW) Age: 12 Genre: Drama Language: English Logline: A young girl's pessimistic take on life is turned around after a recurring dream reveals a simple truth. She discovers that sometimes the best things in life are the things we do for others. Title: INTROSPECT Finalist: Amelia Pieri (Earlwood, NSW) Age: 15 Genre: Drama Language: English Logline: A teenage boy tries to hide his negative thoughts, as they begin to show on his t-shirt. Title: IRIS Finalist: Annabelle Richens (Pymble, NSW) Age: 15 Genre: Drama, Romance Language: English Logline: In a story told through the colours of the LGBT+ pride flag, a young girl dreams of her sexuality being accepted in the face of a homophobic religious community. Title: ISSUES Finalist: Kate Falconer-Flint and Layla Farook (Wahroonga, NSW) Ages: Both 13 Genre: Drama Language: English Logline: Discontent with their lives at school, two girls walk in each other's shoes for a day, only to realise they are better off being true to themselves. Title: LOVE, ELLA Finalist: Katerina (Kat) Alexander (Sydney, NSW) Ages: 14 Genre: Comedy Language: English Logline: It takes an optimistic 13 year old to convert the most cynical of ghosts! Title: RUN Finalist: Matthew Simmons (Ryde, NSW) Age: 14 Genre: Action, Sci-Fi Language: English Logline: In a collapsed society, the key to humanity’s survival is known by seven robots. Only two remain. Title: RAINBOW Finalist: Ivan Farkas (Quakers Hill, NSW) Age: 11 Genre: Animation Language: English Logline: What do you see, when you hear the word Rainbow? Title: THE LIGHT Finalist: Mia Schirmer (Lennox Head, NSW) Age: 15 Language: English Genre: Drama Logline: A story of a young girl’s struggle in a world overpowered by social media and judgement. You truly need to experience the dark to be able to appreciate the light. VICTORIA FINALISTS Title: MR WOLF Finalist: Daniel Nailand (Collingwood, VIC) Age: 15 Location filmed: Canada, United States Genre: Thriller Language: English Logline: A story with almost a fairytale-like quality about a man who steals children from a town. Title: OUTCASTS ANONYMOUS Finalist: Tadji Ulrich (Upwey, VIC) Age: 15 Language: English Genre: Comedy Logline: One group of teens with strange abilities. One camera crew. One night. What could go wrong? Title: PICK A COLOUR Finalist: Damian McLindon (Fitzroy North, VIC) Age: 15 Genre: Drama Language: English Logline: In his dreams, a boy finds himself adventuring through a Lego world. QUEENSLAND FINALIST Title: THE SOCK DIMENSION Finalist: Austin Macfarlane (Greenslopes, QLD) Age: 15 Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi Language: English Logline: When Austin can’t find his favourite matching pair of socks, he and his brother take matters into their own hands & enter the Bermuda triangle that is the Sock Dimension. Title: THE RAINBOW Finalist: Jayden McGinlay (Pacific Pines, QLD) Age: 12 Genre: Drama Language: English Logline: A boy dreams of becoming a professional pianist and is passionate about composing and performing his music, but an accident burning one side of his face holds him back. SA FINALIST Title: RAINBOW CHASERS Finalist: Charlie Butler (Nairne, SA) Age: 16 Genre: Comedy Language: English Logline: A documentary about a family and their passion for chasing rainbows. WA FINALIST Title: DEATH DAY Finalist: Larisa Jacono (Shelley, WA) Age: 15 Genre: Drama Language: English Logline: 15 year-old Belle contemplates taking her own life, tying up loose ends with family and friends while subconsciously seeking a reason to live. Everything seems hopeless until she meets a child who gives her a mysterious "rainbow rock”.
