The five AACTA Pitch: Focus finalists are here!

The AACTA Pitch: Focus in partnership with Sony
top 5 finalists are here!

The shortlist of 5 student-helmed projects have been determined by the AACTA Pitch: Focus judging panel. These five finalists are all vying for $15K in production funds, along with a generous supply of complimentary camera and sound equipment courtesy of our partners Sony, and ongoing mentorship throughout production from our judging panel. This year’s FOCUS judging panel includes Liam Heyen, Nicholas Colla, Imogen Thomas and Lyn Norfor.

Liam Heyen | Two-time AACTA Nominated short film maker and AACTA Pitch: Focus judge

“The first hurdle in film production is always knowing how to pitch in a convincing, yet succinct way. These five teams not only presented unique and interesting pitches, along with well developed scripts, but they also convinced us that their ideas were viable and suitable for the initiative, which is no easy feat.

I was incredibly impressed with the ideas and creativity that these students brought to the table, which in my mind represent an exciting cross-section of what emerging Australian filmmakers have to offer. I’m looking forward to seeing how the top five bring their short films to life during Round 2.”

The five finalist teams are as follows:

Corduroy (AFTRS) – Anthony Arcaya, Adam Chesher, Ashwini Kangatharan, Rhory Mackellar, Siobhan Mithen, Kristen Settinelli, Jacqueline Sharah, Emilie Ziolkowski

Inconvenient (Murdoch University) – Ben Davidson, Kyle Dessent, Mya Elliott, Carmel Fox, Sam Lane, Abby Marshall

Pre-Drinks (Various) – Aaron Healey, Reilly O’Byrne-Inglis, Meredith Williams

The Sight of Sound (RMIT) – Sophie Kesoglidis

The Smell of Bones (Various) – Ainhoa Barriola, Melissa Black, Trystyn Bowe, Jess Fisher, David Gaherty, Bret Salinger

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