The show will go on in 2021 with entries opening today for the 38th St Kilda Film Festival (SKFF). Australia's largest and longest-running short film festival will encompass the best of both worlds next year, with a return to live events complementing a significant online presence from 20-29 May.
Port Philip Council, which produces and presents the Festival, will partner with local venues for the live component.
The Festival is calling for both established and emerging film-makers to be part of the 2021 event. Mayor Louise Crawford said the Festival attracted a national audience of 47,000 when presented entirely online for the first time this year after the live event was cancelled due to COVID-19
concerns.
"As COVID-19 restrictions have eased, we are looking forward to producing a hybrid format in 2021 which allows film-lovers to experience this festival in our City and in homes across Australia," Cr Crawford said.
"Whether it's viewed on big or small screens, the 38th St Kilda Film Festival will continue its proud tradition of showcasing and supporting emerging creatives," she said.
"Many members of the arts community, including in Port Phillip, have been hard hit by the
pandemic so its role in nurturing and supporting talent has never been more important.
"This new format is an exciting opportunity for an event renowned as a champion of Australian short film and we are delighted Richard Sowada will guide it in his second consecutive year as Director."
SKFF provides the most comprehensive overview of the national short film industry, screening the top short film entries received each year alongside a rich program of international screenings, special events and a popular free filmmaker development program.
The SKFF also offers an opportunity to go on to win an Academy Award. The Festival is accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with award-winning SKFF films eligible for consideration in the Short Film Awards and Documentary Short sections of the Oscars®.
