Two local filmmakers have a chat with Newsport to talk about their passion for filmmaking and what it means to them.

Local finalists Dean Miller’s short film called Seventh Natural Wonder is an undersea explorer film. “With such a natural asset on our doorstep its hard to ignore its incredible ability to amaze me. Trying to capture its beauty is a real challenge, but getting to share it with others through my lens is the real reward!” said Dean.

Having never studied film, Dean has made several documentaries for the ABC.  He holds a PhD in marine science and was stationed in the Antarctic for 12 months to study fur seals.

“It was there I taught myself how to shoot while making my very first self funded full length documentary on my time down south and the amazing wildlife that call it home. Upon returning, the ABC picked up my film and the rest is kind of history. My last four films have been working for Sir David Attenborough so I'm very happy with the progress I have made in the industry with no formal training,” said Dean.

His entry in Port Shorts is a solo production working on everything from writing the script, filming and editing. “A friend narrated, and another friend, Fieu, provided me with an amazing sound track,” said Dean.

Another local finalist Gabriella Ferro has entered a film called Stand for Peace in collaboration with musician Visnja.  

“The musician I collaborated with is a dear friend and we had previously discussed creating a music video, so it was easy to collaborate on this project.  The project seemed to have its own wings from the beginning.  Visnja actually approached me with the song and the core idea. I then got her to sing it to me and the story kind of hatched itself out of an egg. It is called Stand for Peace and its about women uniting and overcoming adversity,” said Gabriella.

Having completed a Bachelor in film production, Gabriella first became interested in short films and other formats of visual communication in 2007 when first visiting Uluru while connecting with indigenous communities and some documentary makers which she says inspired her to begin sharing messages through creative media.

“I love making films because they have the power to create change which is transformation that the world needs. The process of stories can actually make changes in the brain of the viewer, rewiring the neural pathways and leading us to different perspectives that we may not have thought of before. I also love music, dance and colour and the possibilities of these that can be expressed with film,” she said.

After its seven-year hiatus, Port Shorts has returned to harness passion for making short films with more vigour and commitment than ever. The festival aims to generate a new wave of filmmaking talent to unleash on the national stage and it appears they are on track.

However without the support of key industry players, the organisers said this would not be possible.

“There was no way we could have resurrected the festival without successfully winning a Council Community Support Program grant of $10,000 and the Mayor Julia Leu is a great advocate” says Director Alison George.

With such talent scheduled to be showcased to the masses on Saturday 24th October, it is a true testament to the local talent the Douglas Shire has at its fingertips.

To purchase tickets visit: 
Port Shorts Tix

For a list of all Port Shorts Finalist please visit:
Facebook Port Shorts