By Roy Weavers

As reported back in January, Organiser Rebecca Scott from Steele Sessions has announced that the inaugural Cairns Adrenaline Film Festival (CAFF) is to be held on Saturday 29th May from 7pm to midnight at Zanzibar@Calypso Backpackers, 5 Digger Street in Cairns.

This innovative film festival is designed to showcase extreme sports and adrenaline filled short films created by local enthusiasts. A competition that provides an opportunity for people of all ages to edit and produce a film that is under 4 minutes long and features extreme sports and the tropical north region.

Apparently, we are delighted to be able to report that the interest is well under way.  Rebecca has advised us that there are several downhill mountain bikers making entries - one films from an ultra light aircraft so that should be interesting. There's a Base jumper entering footage from a South Island New Zealand Base trip he did that opened up new areas that had not been previously explored and sounded very scary.

A feature entitled 'girls go skydiving' will have footage from some jumps done last year where the jumps were made onto a sand Cay out on the reef. And there's also interest from Kiteboarders, Skaters and Motorcross riders.

Rebecca has also asked us to remind any potential entrants that they need to edit their film to music that has NO copyright applicable, so no chart material please unless you've received written permission to use it 'cos the organisers will not be able to show your piece on the night.  Hint: Do a google search for 'royalty free music' or write your own !

She also stressed that Steele Sessions do not condone footage that involve deliberate damage to property, the environment, wildlife or the human body.  (Ed Note: Come on be extreme not stupid)

You must put a title on your movie that includes the names of the people involved in making the film. All DVDs should be clearly labelled with title and your name.  Two copies of your finished film must be submitted in DVD format by May 14th 2010.  Please note these DVDs will NOT be returned to you.  Details of where to send or drop off your DVDs will be advised closer to the deadline.

There are four categories to enter as follows :


1. The People’s Choice Mad Minute – these films will be judged by the audience on the night of the event. They are to be less than 1.5 minutes long, edited with rapid action clips and pumping music. The winner will be the one that totally blows the audience away! Stacks, scrapes, close calls and injury footage are all welcome. Mouth gaping shock factor is what we are going for here.

2. Showcase Tropical North Queensland- many of these sports involve getting out in the stunning natural beauty of the tropical north region. The aim of this category will be to showcase this region’s natural wonders while participating in adrenalin filled activities.

3. Overall Best Film – this is the ultimate prize and will be the main prize category for the festival. As long as it still involves the theme of adrenaline and is under 4 minutes in length, any entries are welcome.

4. Under 18’s Category- this will be the same requirements as the best film category but is reserved for under 18 participants only. We have the option of a separate event for Under 18’s that would be held at Calypso from 3-6pm on May 29th.

The prize list is getting bigger everyday. here is the current list of goodies you can win....
2 X Tandem Skydives from Skydive the Reef Cairns
2 X Tully River raft trips from RnR Rafting
2 X 1 hour tickets from CableSki Cairns
2 X Bungy Jumps from AJ Hacketts
A year's free DVDs from Madman Entertainment
A year's coffee from Billy's Coffee
A Go Pro camera from Lust Industries



To enter the festival all you have to do is complete an entry form and send back with your entry fee of $20 per category or $10 if you're under 18 and make your film ! The entry deadline for DVDs is May 14th and the festival itself is taking place on Saturday 29th starting at 7pm. Depending on entry numbers the Under 18 festival may be held earlier from 3pm to 6pm but this will all be confirmed before the event.

 

According to organiser, Rebecca Scott there are still some sponsorship opportunities so for further details please email her on steelesessions@gmail.com