FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS TALENT IN THE ‘FILM’ MAKING
ASPIRING film students have been rewarded for their efforts after they managed to produce, direct and edit a film within just 48 hours.
Hosted by the University of Southern Queensland’s (USQ) School of Creative Arts, the 48 Hour Film Festival was the brainchild of film lecturer Simon Van Der Spoel.
The former Centenary Heights State High student found his passion for film and television at a young age and was recognised for his work when he was named recipient of the school’s Walker Award.
Mr Van Der Spoel went on to excel in his field of choice and decided to launch the film festival to pass his knowledge on and showcase the talents of the region’s next generation of aspiring filmmakers.
“When I was a high school student, which was about 20odd years ago, I remember entering into 48 hour film festivals, but when I came back to Toowoomba, I realised these events don’t exist anymore,” he said.
“I really want to give back to students who are interested in filmmaking, so I reached out to schools across the region for high school students to participate in this event.”
Placing first for their project titled Heist 48 were Centenary Heights’ students Mia Jago, Amy Skerman, Georgia Barons and Flynn Walmsley.
Toowoomba State High School’s Chiffy and Charlie Helliwell-Beahan placed second for their submission McGregor Saved Me.
While students Levi Paroz, Ruva Maphosa, Darcy Neville and Cosme McPhie, who all hail from different schools, came third for their film Cereal Killer.
USQ film lecturer Dr Leonie Jones also recognised four Toowoomba State High School students with an Encouragement award and two recipients who travelled from Pittsworth received a Highly Commended award.