GCFF RAISES FOCUS
This year’s Gold Coast Film Festival again highlights the important role women have played in the film and television industry THE Gold Coast Film Festival is renowned for trying to inspire younger generations, create change and do something different, says director Lucy Fisher.
For their 16th year, one of the city’s biggest film and television events has dedicated themselves to promoting equality for women in the industry, by partnering with Women in Film and Television (WIFT).
Ms Fisher, who is also on the executive committee of WIFT, said she hoped the changes would help jump-start the topic on the Gold Coast.
“It’s about having conversations about the big changes that need to happen,” she said.
“For those working in film, or aspiring to work in film, it’s a good opportunity to understand the issues in the film industry.
“It’s a good opportunity for young men entering the industry as well, to raise awareness that it’s not just women talking to women, it’s starting a conversation.”
Taking centre stage is Jill Bilcock, who has edited some of Australia’s most iconic films including Strictly Ballroom, Australia and The Dressmaker.
Ms Bilcock has taken a step back from work this time however as Jill Bilcock: Dancing the Invisible, a documentary following her work, hits the screen.
Directed by Axel Grigor, the film features big-name celebrities such as Cate
Blanchett and Baz Luhrmann telling Ms Bilcock’s story.
But though she said it was all a bit surprising, Ms Bilcock said she was pleased with how the film had turned out.
“I thought it was a bit ridiculous actually, and then I thought it was only going to take a couple of days, but they followed me around for about two years,” Ms Bilcock said.
“If ever I was in India working, Axel would turn up. If I was in London doing something, he’d turn up.
“But I think it shows a bit of a history of Australian film there, so I think from that point of view for people who are interested in how stories are told it might find something new.”
This year, GCFF also continues its seven-year tradition of engaging with young people, hoping to build an interest in film for the next generation.
Among that is their YScreen event, featuring two films aimed toward younger audiences, as well as a study guide for both.
The study guides outline the story, concepts and themes to help students find the link between what they see on screen and hear in the classroom.
For older aspiring filmmakers, on Thursday they will also be offering their Future Filmmakers event, hosted by Bond University.
Year 11 and 12 students who are looking at a career in film will get a tour of the university, as well as the chance to talk with people already working in the industry.
It will also introduce them Bond University’s short film competition, which offers a full scholarship to study film and television as its first prize.
Last year, the event had over 600 participants, and Lucy Fisher said it looked set to be even more popular this year.
Though it has already been booked out for 2018, there is a waitlist online for students who would like to attend.
The Gold Coast Film Festival will screen dozens of both feature-length and short films before its close on April 29. Those looking for more information can visit their website, gcfilmfestival.com.