What went down, who won and what's next?
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WHAT A WEEKEND!
What a weekend! It started with Launnie’s Mayor, Matthew Garwood and his talented wife, Michelle Rainbow, serenading us, followed by the ultra-romantic Past Lives (David Stratton just gave it 4 and a half stars!!), then into thought and emotion-provoking films on women like Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, or growing up differently Riceboy Sleeps, the animal rights and emotionally infused EO, the mental health focussed On the Adamant, and the moving, oh so topical story of Aboriginal man, Douglas Grant, in The Skin of Others, with the director Tom Murray there to unpack the film. What a cornucopia of fine films from Australia, Iran, USA/Canada, Korea, Estonia, Mexico, Poland, Germany and South Sudan!
Add in amazing Tasmanian short films, animations, workshops, church organ and symphony experiences at Pilgrim Church and the standout and sold-out Daliland at the amazing dAda mUse and we were spoiled for choice. The classic Adventures of Barry McKenzie led us neatly into a Closing Night party to remember with free Ducane beer, speeches, tears and remembrances! Vale BOFA 2023!
Now we’d love your reaction to the festival. It takes JUST 3 MINUTES to complete our post-festival survey. Please let us know what you liked or didn't like.
WHO WON?
With short films from all around the country, the judges had a tough job of deciding on who was to wear the crown of the best short film in the national BOFA Inspiring Change Short Film competition and it was ... (drumroll) I Want To Make A Film About Women by Sydney director, Karen Pearlman. Second place went to the refugee film ZPR 359 directed by Liam Branagan also from Sydney and Third to Bangay Lore, directed by Jahvis Raine of Crabbes Creek, NSW.
All the short-listed films were shown online at BOFA on the Sofa with a People’s Choice voting process giving Tasmanian Ebony ten Broeke the top gong with One Tuk Tuk at a Time, second place to Reviving Giants by South Australian director Stefan Andrews and Third to Tasmanian director, Alison Mary Stanton-Cook’s, Roe (Running on Empty). Congratulations to all the winners and a big well done to the others from around Australia, who trusted us with their excellent short films.
IS THIS THE END?
These wonderful supporters – plus our enthusiastic volunteers - have helped make BOFA 2023 a great success BUT the cost of living crisis has impacted audience numbers at the 2023 festival - and the co-founders of BOFA Film Festival, Helen and Owen Tilbury, are stepping down after 14 years.
So, is this the end?
To ensure this gem of a film festival doesn’t languish and that Tasmania doesn’t become the only state and territory in Australia without a major film festival we need YOUR help.
That means we need donations, small and, hopefully, large.
It also means if YOU want to be part of the leadership of this festival for 2024 and have time and skills in strategy, marketing, film curation, events management and/or people management, we invite you to reach out at 0407 501 287 or via email director@breath-of-fresh-air.com.au.
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