By Tanya Faulkner
The big screen was alight earlier this month in Belgrave, in celebration of youth creators around the world.
The Cameo played host to the Lantern and Light International Children’s Film Festival (LICFF) showcasing the best of the best local and internationally made films by youths of today.
Overall the event for 2023 was a great success, with hundreds of films being submitted and showcased for locals and visitors to enjoy, alongside interviews and other creative events on show.
RAPA founding director Rainsford Towner said the regional film session was a complete sell out this year.
“There were some exciting regional award winners providing a glimpse into the future of the next generation for the Australian film industry.
“The day will come when Australian film-goers will be wondering how so many great young directors are emerging from the hills,” he said.
The festival was received with awe by those who attended the screening sessions, showing the impeccable talent by local youths – with some put head to head with films created by youths abroad.
Mr Towner said the feedback from the festival has been fantastically supportive, highlighting the success of the event.
This years’ festival produced two award winners from the hills.
Gabriel Robb-Wardlaw, the director of Frame Avenue, won the LLICFF Best Experimental film and Best Performer, won by Jazz Toland.
In addition, Carly Trustram-Ellard, the director of Astral Solitude, took home the LLICFF Next Wave 18-25 award, celebrating her upcoming potential in the Australian film industry.
As a sidebar to the LLICFF, a RAPA FReeZA committee of youths produced a Pop-Up TV studio to broadcast interviews with local politicians, film professionals, and young filmmakers who visited or participated in the events.
It was entirely organised and run by the youths, boasting an average age of 17 years old, and easily became a highlight of the entire festival experience.
Amongst those interviewed included Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino, who announced this years’ Jury award for Ukranian 13 year old filmmaker Elina Myshanych and her film Adult.
Mr Towner said it was a highly emotional moment for everyone involved, and as an outcome of the LLICFF, the Association of Ukrainians in Australia (AUV) will organise a fundraiser for Ukranian refugees.
“It will feature the winning Ukranian film by Elina, alongside several of our regional young filmmakers contributing their works.
“This is how the festival brings young people and cultures together, and helps to support the interconnectedness of young creatives everywhere,” he said.
The fundraiser will be held on Friday 6 October at 3-11 Russell St, Essendon.
