Just two weeks ago, emerging Melbourne filmmaker, Alethea Jones signed up for Centrelink benefits, now she is an awarded filmmaker in the eyes of Tropfest after winning the 20th birthday competition for her film Lemonade Stand. Tropfest founder John Polson said the Greek Australian filmmaker was a deserved winner.
Oscar stars Geoffrey Rush, Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett, made up the judging panel alongside actresses Toni Collette and Asher Keddie, Australian directors Alex Proyas and Kieran Darcy-Smith and New York screenwriter Charles Randolph.
“Lemonade Stand is an incredibly well made film and a favourite among the judges,” he said. “There was intense discussion in the judging room and some really interesting debates. Alethea should be very proud to have been selected by some of the industry’s greatest talent,” said Polson.