Director/Producer Matt Hardie has taken out top honours in this year's Tropfest short film festival, with his film Bamboozled (scroll down to watch).
The film, which applied the Tropfest Signature Item of 'Change' somewhat literally, and played with a transgender theme, was named best film by a panel of celebrity judges that included Nash Edgerton, Adam Eliott, Susie Porter, Robert Luketic and Bruna Papandrea. Hardie also took out the acting prize for his work in the film, along with felloe lead, Aaron Tsindos.
Bamboozled proved a hit with the judges but in the tradition of many Tropfest winners, it was a controversial choice. The film raised the ire of many on social media, who were critical of its handling of LGBTIQ themes.
Hardie is no stranger to Tropfest, having also been a finalist in the last festival, held in February, with his film Let It Rain.
In other Tropfest prizes: 17 year-old Kaiya Jones was awarded best actress for her role in the film she also directed, Coping; Martin Sharpe won a film cadetship for his animated film Still LIfe, and Claude Gonzalez won a DSLR category for his film Ariel.
BAMBOOZLED Director/Producer: Matt Hardie State: NSW
Synopsis: No matter what changes, love is forever.
Watch all of the 16 finalist films here.
