Rowan Anderson

Journalist

Port Shorts Film Festival is regarded as the coolest short film festival in the tropics and they are looking for filmmakers to showcase their work.

With entering the film festival, you get a chance to win a share of more than $15,000 in cash and prizes and mix with some of the brightest stars of Australia’s screen industry at the 2022 Port Shorts Film Festival.

The world heritage listed Daintree Rainforest serves as the perfect backdrop for the festival held in the idyllic Rex Smeal Park in Port Douglas on October 14-15.

Following the pandemic and lockdown the Port Shorts Film Festival returns this year as a live event for the first time since 2019.

Festival spokesperson and Media Coordinator Greg McLean spoke with Newsport about what the return meant for the industry and Port Douglas.

“It’s hugely exciting!

“To have everybody back at Rex Smeal Park means a lot – especially with Port Douglas being one of the most affected communities with our reliance on tourism during the pandemic.”

“Gives us a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the amazing place we live in. For filmmakers as well, particularly local film makers it is a real opportunity to showcase their work.

“It all about collaboration – and there has been great collaborations that have originated from Port Shorts.”

Hosted by legendary Aussie actor and Festival Ambassador Stephen Curry along with fellow Ambassadors and Judges in Wolf Creek Producer Matt Hearn and Rarriwuy Hick, star of new SBS drama True Colours.

“They (the ambassadors) donate a huge amount of time to us and the festival throughout the year working behind the scenes,” McLean said.

Renowned as one of our best homegrown acting talents Curry sees Port Douglas as a second home and was keen to return for the festival.

“I love being a part of Port Shorts, it’s not just an amazing quality short film festival in a spectacular location, it’s got a great atmosphere among the filmmakers and audience,” Curry said.

“The filmmakers don’t just get a chance to meet up with other filmmakers, the organisers and locals make them feel a part of the community.

“Being able to float down a river on a lilo surrounded by the rainforest while you’re there certainly helps too.”

Filmmakers have until September 1 to submit their short films in categories including Open, Local, Music Video, Drone and Youth, McLean commenting that the level of quality submitted so far was high.

“We have a really strong line-up of national films, but we have been told to expect some entries from local film makers.

“We have a really good show already but hoping to make it a strong line-up for our audience.”

To enter your short film before the September 1 closing date, go to www./filmfreeway.com/PortShortsFilmFestival or visit www.portshorts.com

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