Altona Beach Film Festival taking entries

Pupils at Altona Primary School are filming movies for this year’s Altona Beach Film Festival. They include Franchesca and Alexandra (front), Antonietta, Darshan, Jesse, Shirkhar and Heath. Picture: Damjan Janevski

Organisers of Altona Beach Film Festival, now in its second year, are hoping to attract entries from around the world.

This year’s theme is ‘waves’ and filmmakers are being urged to use their artistic interpretation, says festival president Annette Stephens.

“It could be the obvious water wave or it could be a wave of emotion or the wave of the hand … a wave of immigrants arriving in the country.”

Films, including titles and credits, can be no longer than seven minutes.

“We had 20 entries last year so I’d like to get 50 this year,” Ms Stephens says.

“We know that everybody likes films and watches films and everybody can make a film now on their camera. It’s quite easy.

“There’s a lot of stuff on YouTube that people have made in a few minutes.”

The judging panel comprises professional local filmmakers, producers and directors. Awards will be presented in age categories of under 13, under 21 and open age.

There will also be a people’s choice award.

Prize money and awards will be presented at a film screening on August 20.

Entries close June 30. Details: altonabeachfilmfestival.com.au