Tag: SXSW Sydney

It’s Official: SXSW Sydney® Announces Winners Of The 2024 Screen Awards

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A Grand Mockery, Thou Shalt Not Steal, Pools, Ruby and Tom Take a Cake to a Wedding (Photo supplied by Harriet Dixon-Smith, NIXCO)

The 2024 Screen Festival, presented by IHG Hotels & Resorts, concluded in spectacular fashion as SXSW Sydney® announced the winners of its prestigious Screen Awards. Leading the pack was the Australian feature film A Grand Mockery, which took home the coveted Best Feature Film award.

Directed by Samuel Dixon and Adam C. Briggs, A Grand Mockery tells the story of Josie (portrayed by Dixon), whose mundane existence takes a strange and surreal turn as his psychic struggles deform him, sending him wandering through the rainforest hinterlands of Queensland. Shot on super-8 film, the movie harks back to underground filmmaking, offering a visually striking and tonally playful experience. The film evolves from morbid comic realism into a metaphysical journey, structured as a unique diptych that leaves audiences both fascinated and unsettled.

The SXSW Sydney 2024 Audience Award went to Pools, the debut feature by Sam Hayes. This coming-of-age drama features a stellar cast, including Odessa A’zion, Mason Gooding, and Ariel Winter. Pools follows Kennedy (A’zion), who, after failing her sophomore year of college, embarks on a pool-hopping adventure through Chicago’s wealthy Lake Forest estates. What begins as a lighthearted quest soon transforms into a profound night of self-discovery as secrets are revealed.

In the episodic category, the Stan Original Series Thou Shalt Not Steal by visionary director Dylan Rivers earned the Best Episodic award. Set in 1980s Central and South Australia, the eight-episode series follows Robyn (Sherry-Lee Watson), a young Aboriginal delinquent who escapes detention to uncover a long-hidden family secret. Along the way, she is joined by awkward teen Gidge (Will McDonald) as they navigate perilous outback landscapes, while being pursued by a cast of intense characters, including Miranda Otto’s Maxine and Noah Taylor’s Robert, a fraudulent preacher.

In the short film category, two remarkable films tied for Best Short Film: Fishtank, directed by Wendi Tang (China/USA), and Try to Remember, Please, directed by Maria Dudko (Australia). Fishtank explores the surreal life of Jules (Tiffany Chu), who, despite her year of sobriety, finds herself inexplicably vomiting goldfish. Try to Remember, Please offers a visceral look at how violence can be erased from memory, and how those who wish to deny it weaponize that erasure.

Best Music Video was awarded to Pillhouse, by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, directed by Ollie Jones (UK). This trippy visual treat captivated judges and audiences alike.

In the student category, Ruby and Tom Take a Cake to a Wedding, directed by Australian filmmaker Jack McTaggart, earned the Best Student Film award. The short film follows Ruby, an ambitious cake-maker, and her detached partner Tom, as they navigate a chaotic journey to deliver a wedding cake, only to be thwarted by their self-absorbed family and friends.

The 2024 Screen Festival wrapped up with Two Hands: A Live Script Read, a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the beloved Australian comedy/crime film Two Hands. Hosted by Alexei Toliopoulos and Gen Fricker, the event featured an all-star line-up of comedic talent, including Susoe Youssef, Clare Cavanagh, Danielle Walker, and Zach Ruane, in a hilarious live reimagining of the classic script.

As always, SXSW Sydney 2024 proved to be an extraordinary showcase of groundbreaking talent and bold storytelling, solidifying its place as a major cultural event in the Australian and global film landscape.

This article was sourced from a press release sent by NIXCO

SXSW Sydney: Promoting Inclusivity in Film and Television Production

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In the ever-evolving landscape of the film and television industry, inclusivity and diversity have become more than just buzzwords; they are the pillars upon which creative excellence thrives. With this ethos in mind, SXSW Sydney brings you an enlightening session from October 15 to 22.

For those who aspire to create content that resonates with a broad and varied audience, understanding how to assemble a production team that reflects the world we live in is paramount. Many, however, find themselves at a loss when it comes to practical steps and overcoming obstacles. This session, made possible through the collaboration with Women In Film and Television (WIFT) and their global network, intends to shed light on this vital aspect of the industry.

Breaking Down Barriers

The heart of this session lies in its commitment to breaking down barriers and assessing the approach to crewing productions. Oakley Kwon, an award-winning actor, policy maker, and film producer, as well as the head of Loom Films and a prominent figure on the boards of WIFT Australia, Asian Food and Film, and the QLD Community Television Association Inc., will lead the discussion as the moderator.

Joining Kwon are three leading industry experts, each with an impressive track record in sourcing and running inclusive sets:

Andria Wilson Mirza: As the Director of ReFrame, a gender equity coalition founded and led by Sundance Institute and Women In Film, she brings a wealth of knowledge on the subject. ReFrame has been instrumental in promoting gender equity in the screen industry and is an influential advocate for diversity.

Kirsty Stark: AACTA, Rose d’Or, and Emmy award-winning television and feature film producer, Kirsty Stark, boasts an Emmy award for the children’s series “First Day” and extensive experience in championing inclusive storytelling. Her work speaks volumes about her commitment to diversity in the industry.

Kristen Hodges: With over 60 hours of television and feature films under her belt, Kristen Hodges is a Screen Australia executive and producer with a deep understanding of what it takes to create premium content. Her experience spans both Australian and US markets, emphasizing the importance of diversity on a global scale.

Tackling Obstacles and Sharing Resources

The panel will delve into the obstacles that screen practitioners face when crewing for diversity. By drawing from their wealth of experience and insights, they will provide practical solutions and share valuable resources to support those looking to make their productions as inclusive as possible. From casting to crewing, this session aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to drive positive change in the industry.

Networking Opportunity

Following the panel discussion, WIFT will host a one-hour networking event, offering attendees a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and industry professionals. Networking is a vital component of forging meaningful collaborations and advancing the cause of inclusivity in film and television.

Event Details

Date and Time: Friday, October 20, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Theatrette – Powerhouse Museum
In a world where storytelling has the power to shape perspectives and challenge societal norms, it is essential that our production teams reflect the rich tapestry of humanity. SXSW Sydney’s session on promoting inclusivity in film and television production is an opportunity to learn from the best in the industry and be part of the movement toward a more diverse and representative future.

Don’t miss out on this chance to be a catalyst for change in the entertainment world. Join us at SXSW Sydney and be a part of the conversation that matters.

For more information and tickets, visit SXSW Sydney’s official website via this link: SXSW 2023