Most sequels tend to dip in quality after the third installation, but the Benalla Short Film Festival is returning for its ninth event and looks as amazing as always.
This year, the premiere screening and award ceremony will take place at the new Benalla Cinema, 14 Mair St, from 3pm on Sunday, November 12 with tickets costing $15.
If you don’t get a chance to attend on November 8 there will be a second screening at Swanpool Cinema on Friday, November 17 from 7pm. Normal ticket prices apply.
Regular judges, Aussie TV royalty Krista Vendy and John Orcsik, will return for the event.
Unfortunately, Skippy alumni Tony Bonner AM is an apology for the screening due to work commitments, although he has helped judge this year’s entries.
Mr Orcsik is best known for the role of Mike Georgiou on the smash TV series Cop Shop. He is also a writer, director and still acts.
Ms Vendy is best known for the role of Tess Bell in Neighbours, and she has guest-starred in television roles in Australia and the United States.
Mr Bonner became famous in the ’60s children’s television series Skippy the Bush Kangaroo before taking roles in The Man From Snowy River and the ANZACS.
The judges have selected 10 films from 49 submitted via Filmfreeway.
Benalla Shorts director Anna Smith said three submissions were from international directors.
“Films this year are not as dark in nature as last year,” Ms Smith said.
She said this might be due to the difficulties of COVID-19 lockdowns affecting the subjects filmmakers explored in 2022.
“We welcome back Vicscreen and Benalla Rural City as our major sponsors this year,” Ms Smith said.
“We are also pleased to be part of the annual Benalla Festival.”
Benalla Shorts is putting the Rose City on the map, being nominated for a 2023 Victorian Achievement Award.
“We are so thrilled to receive this nomination,” Ms Smith said.
Find out more on Facebook @Benalla Shorts.