On screen: Emma Burnside plays Sophie in the The Sisterhood of Mika and Sophie, directed by Cobram local Lachie Allemand.
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The Benalla Short Film Festival will return in December featuring several films by local directors, including Cobram local Lachie Allemand with The Sisterhood of Mika and Sophie.
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Since beginning his studies at Deakin University in 2014, Mr Allemand has gone on to direct three short films and currently is a tutor for the film and television degree at the university.
Mr Allemand said his short film was based off his honours thesis and explored issues that adolescents growing up in small towns dealt with, and sister relationships.
“I always thought the relationship between sisters was pretty interesting ... I took some of the research I did (for his honours thesis) and put it into this film,” he said.
“It’s following two sisters ... examining the broken relationship between the two of them, we’re thrust straight into the middle of the situation they’re going through.”
Lachie Allemand on set during filming.
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The film has already won the Best Direction award from his film school, but Mr Allemand said he wasn’t “one of the people who love awards”.
“It doesn’t really bother me too much ... I’d just like to get an audience reaction; I remember at the first screening there were people crying over it,” he said.
“You make it just to be seen ... if it wins that’s always a plus.”
The festival is now in its seventh year and organisers are looking forward to premiering the 12 finalists at Benalla Town Hall on Saturday, December 4.
The finalists have been chosen from an array of entries and represent some of the best up-and-coming film makers in the region, and further afield.
Festival organisers are pleased to welcome back the judges from last year:
•Tony Bonner AM (from the television show Skippy the Bush Kangaroo);
•John Orcsik (Cop Shop); and
•Krista Vendy (Neighbours).
Festival president Anna Smith said Benalla Shorts was pleased to welcome a live audience after holding last year’s event online due to COVID-19 regulations.
She said there would be an opportunity for the wider community to see the films.
“Swanpool Cinema will screen a public viewing on Saturday, February 19,” she said.
The total prize pool for the event is $2250 which will be shared among winners in categories which include the Judges’ Award; Local Encouragement Award; People’s Choice Award; Student Award; and Best Documentary.
Two other local film makers made the cut this year: Benalla’s Charlie Williams with The Devil and I, and Shepparton’s Matthew Poidevin with Forever House.
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