Student movies boom

THE MyState Student Film Festival continues to grow with organisers receiving a record number of entries in the event’s 16th year.

More than 306 films were entered in the 2018 festival competition — up 18 per cent on last year.

In total, 1400 students from 90 schools submitted films with 84 entries received from interstate.

“Within Tasmania, southern student filmmakers were best represented, entering 138 films, with 37 submitted from northern Tasmania and 43 from the North-West,” organisers said.

“The majority of interstate submissions came from NSW with 32 entries, Queensland with 24 entries and Victoria with 15.”

This year’s awards offered students more chances to be recognised with 22 categories open including new categories: Best Comedy, Drama, Original Song, Original Score and TV Commercial.

Prizes have been duplicated to recognise both Tasmanian and interstate filmmakers, giving all participants a chance at the largest-ever prize pool of $19,000.

An awards event will take place at the Don Bosco Creative Arts Centre at Guilford Young College on December 5.

This year a one-hour screening of the 2018 finalist films will be held before the official event.

Tickets are free and the public can register to attend by visiting https:// www.mystatefilmfestival.com. au/awards-event.