By Wendy Johnson

Ever since it appeared out of nowhere, FASHFEST, Canberra’s most stylish red-carpet fashion event, has been a major platform for amazing talent from many creative industries. It might seem that the spotlight shines solely on fashion designers and their glamorous new collections, but those who have attended FASHFEST know it offers a much broader arts and culture experience—did we mention it’s also a great social night out?

This year, FASHFEST’s fourth, is no exception. And the call has just gone out inviting filmmakers to apply to produce six original short films, reflecting the still-kept-secret themes for 2016. This is an amazing opportunity for filmmakers to stand tall on the FASHFEST platform and showcase their work in front of the event’s large and diverse audience, which includes VIP and national and international guests.

The award-winning co-founders behind By George Studios, Robb Shaw-Velzen, ASC, and Georgina Jenkins, are throwing their support behind selected filmmakers, sharing their wealth of experience and guidance where needed. By George is a major FASHFEST sponsor.

“FASHFEST is a great opportunity to develop and showcase local talent,” says Georgina. “The short films add another layer to the guest experience so we’re looking for filmmakers who will push boundaries with strong, original concepts. Each film must link the FASHFEST theme to Canberra, inspiring the audience to see Australia’s capital in a new light. And each film must feature a music track provided by one of the official musicians selected for this year’s event.”

Applicants must be over 18 years of age. They’ll be judged on a range of factors, including strength and originality of concept, interpretation of theme, and strength of their team. “Preference will be given to Canberra region filmmakers,” says Georgina.

Selected filmmakers will receive $1,000 cash from FASHFEST to use for production. The ACT Screen Industry Association is saving filmmakers’ money by providing public liability insurance and also giving a year’s membership for free (valued at $550). Catering—important during long filming days—is by Fresh2Go (CIT Student Association).

 

 

FASHFEST 2016 will host six shows, each curated around a theme. “This means those struck by FASHFEST fever, who won’t be able to resist attending more than one show, are guaranteed a unique experience each time,” says FASHFEST co-founder Clint Hutchinson, who created FASHFEST with his wife Andrea.

The creative brief for the shout out to filmmakers is on the FASHFEST website. Get those cameras in action now!

Applications close Monday 18 July.

Images from FASHFEST 2015 which ran four themes; The Activist, The Cartographer, The Engineer, and The Inventor.