Tropfest kicked off in style this year, with more than 90,000 eager film addicts packing into The Domain for a full on day of entertainment. With perfect weather (until it turned chilly and everyone resorted to their free Sydney Morning Herald for blankets) performers Clubfeet and Kate Miller-Heidke warmed up the crowd for the 16 fruity films that followed.
This year creatives touched on everything, from one night stands to zombie apocalypses – the brief being that a balloon had to feature in the film. And while some films were filled with hot air, others rose to the occasion.
First and foremost, a mention goes out to the brilliant creative teams behind these films, especially Victorian Director Nicholas Clifford whose film We’ve All Been There took out the prestigious award.
As any short film should, Clifford’s piece got to the point quickly, drew in the audience hook, line and sinker, and brought it home with his close to home message, that everyone needs help at times.
Many a tear was shed in happiness for Raymond Borzelli in Better Than Sinatra as Jefferson Grainger encapsulated Raymond’s passion for music and sheer optimism, which shone through and saw Grainger take out second prize, and Aussie export and Hollywood hunk, Sam Worthington awarded the elderly pensioner with the prize for “Best Personality”.
Punctured, directed by Nick Baker and Tristan Klein came in third place, with magnificent animations and visual effects, a showcase of technique and design.
Honourable mentions go out to Matt Bird for Taser which perfectly highlighted the current political stigma attached to the use of tasers within the police force, and Hannah May Reilly for A Great Day which followed the hilarity of a young man’s recollection of his night out and attainment of justice.
If Reilly didn’t have you in stitches, Matt Hardie certainly did in Let it Rain, with a bunch of adult males turning a water fight into a reconnaissance mission.
Tropfest 2013 was by far a success. Really how could anything with Sam Worthington and Richard Roxborough not be? Actually how could this event ever fail to please?
The answer is never, because Tropfest Australia gives our home grown talent the opportunity to establish themselves in the film and television industry, and share with the multitudes of viewers their creativity and passion.
And you get to have a picnic. It’s a win, win. Tropfest; bringing people together for 21 years.
Reviewer: Sami Swilksy