The St Kilda Film Festival has announced its 2010 program, with 100 of Australia's top short films set to screen.
In the running for Best Film honours and the $10,000 cash prize are several films directed by actors, such as Leah Purcell's Aunty Maggie and the Womba Wakegun, Abe Forsythe's Tomorrow (GPS) and Shock (2010 Tropfest winner), and the directorial debuts of Alyssa McClelland (Emilia Eckle), Deborah Mailman (Ralph) and Angus Sampson (The Last Supper). Sampson will be a ubiquitous presence throughout the festival, appearing in The Wake (pictured, dir. Gemma Lee) and Colin and Cameron Cairn's Celestial Avenue.
Germany takes centre stage as the festival's international spotlight, featuring the inclusion of five programs from last year's interfilm Berlin Short Film Festival. Two sessions will examine the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall; the best titles from the German short competition are on display, as is the program Confrontations: Films Against Violence, a healthy mix of dramatic and comedic productions. Rounding out the program is the Focus On: Netherlands; seven of the best Dutch shorts from the last few years, including Missing, winner of the 2009 Berlin-Brandenburg Short Award for Best Film. International guests include director Hanro Smitsman (Raak, 2007 Golden Bear winner) and interfilm festival curator Matthias Groll.
The festival's music video competition SoundKILDA remains a highlight, showcasing some of Australia's finest music clips on the big screen. Audience members can vote for their favourite in a field of 19. Filmmakers Nash Edgerton and Justin Kurzel will have two chances to take home the cash and prizes. Edgerton's entries include two Bob Dylan clips; Kurzel's are videos for Bridezilla and The Mess Hall.
The festival runs from May 25 – 30 with screenings taking place at The Palace George Cinemas. Opening night will feature a fine selection of shorts from across the program and will be held at the historic Palais Theatre.
