Short, unfinanced, and directed by ‘no-name’ individuals: these terms rarely apply to the films screened at Cannes.
But for the past eight years, it’s featured films of precisely these qualities.
They originate from the festival’s partner, international movie-making competition the 48 Hour Film Project. It draws over 60, 000 individuals from 120 different cities each year, who must include a randomly-selected line of dialogue, prop, character, and genre in their short.
The primary incentive for entering?
The rare chance to have their work screened in Cannes’ Short Film Corner.
But according to the Melbourne project’s director, Thomas Blum, starry-eyed filmmakers should be incentivised to pay more attention to their nation’s cultural economy first.
“I feel like Melbourne does the challenge well: the people and the creativity are here. The problem is that the government isn’t directing Australians to watch Australian films, and therefore, Australians are finding it hard to create local content instead of signing up to be a part of a big production,” Mr Blum said. “I’m not an expert and I’m not an economist, but I believe it’s one way to prevent the industry loop we’re in.”
It’s a view that’s echoed by the director of the winning short at this year’s competition, Nicholas Colla.
“My only hope is that more sponsors and industry ‘names’ jump on board to support festivals like this. I mean: Peter Jackson sponsors the one in New Zealand, and I’d say he’s a pretty busy fella.”
His production company Late Nite Films will represent the city at the project’s finale festival, Filmapalooza, which showcases the top films from each city. The ten best entries are then brought to Cannes — as was the case with Late Nite Films’ 2013 entry, Flash.
Mr Colla added that part of the project’s global appeal was the variety of rich cultural voices present.
“[And] it’s nice to know that you’re all in the same boat, and there to support each other if you need it. That’s the beauty of taking part in film festivals like this, or bringing your work to them: you make like-minded friends from around the world, who’ve become your support, and your sounding boards.”
