It’s not often these days that every film in a film festival, large, small, mainstream, even fringe, is truly independent – i.e. fully self-funded by the filmmaker.
This spirit of artists doing it for themselves is exactly the thing that drives Electric Shorts.
Now in its 12th year and taking place as part of the Fringe Festival, the festival continues to inspire filmmakers to do what they’re passionate about and to get their work out to an audience.
It’s an important aim, because as Jim Stamatakos, founder and director of Electric Shorts says, “if you wait around for money from funding bodies or private backers before you start a film, you might be waiting a long time, and your work, your vision might never be seen by anyone”.
This is the reason he started Electric Shorts, “to encourage filmmakers to do their thing by providing a space to present their work”.
Electric Shorts will put together a stimulating program of short films displaying different styles and covering a range of themes.
But lest anyone think independent and diverse means amateurish and uninteresting, they should think again. These films promise to compel, challenge, excite, entertain, shock, provide insight, elicit empathy and possibly, lead to catharsis – everything a film should and can do, but often doesn’t.
After the screenings, there will be plenty of time for filmmakers and audience members to engage in a bit of dialogue (possibly even debate) while enjoying a drink or two.
Submissions close on 29 August, 2016. The screening will take place on Wednesday 28 September at Loop, Meyers Place, Melbourne, VIC at 7.30 pm. Entry is free. For more information, visit www.electricshorts.com.au or call 0417 567 077.