Arts News

CinefestOZ Albany Film Festival Excursions 

CinefestOZ Albany kicked off with a bang as Jub Clerc, director of Sweet As, spoke at our welcome-back assembly last week. This was followed by two days of fantastic excursions into town to see a collection of Australian-made films, meet film guests, and participate in interactive film activities. 

Thursday was a day of practical learning for media students from Years Ten, Eleven and Twelve. The day started at the Museum of the Great Southern, where they gained valuable insights into the WA film industry and even had the chance to pitch a film in just a minute. They participated in an acting for-screen workshop with the incredible actress Della Rae Morrison before they were given top tips for entering the industry from the CEO of CinefestOZ, Cassandra Jordan. 

Students then moved to Orana Cinema for a screening of Sweet As. The film is a genuine and heartwarming coming-of-age story of an Indigenous teenager who goes on a photography safari in the Kimberleys and includes stunning imagery of Karijini National Park. The story is based on director Jub Clerc’s own life and the film was followed by a Q&A with Jub who shared valuable insight into the production process and her own experiences that are reflected in the film. 

Friday was the Year Sevens turn, who headed down to the Town Hall to see the film Windcatcher. 

Harlow Coffey (Year Seven) shared her experience:

On Friday, the first week back for Term Two, we were all so excited for the day planned ahead of us organised by Ms Gunning. When my classmates and I settled down we headed for the bus, and when we arrived at the Town Hall we were greeted warmly by the staff. We all shuffled in the building and got shown to the room we were going to be watching the movie Windcatcher and I found a spot next to my good friends as the movie began. 

When the movie finished after two hours, one of the main actors, Kelton Pell, surprised us all as he wandered on stage, and we got to ask him heaps of different questions. After we were done asking questions we wandered back outside and onto the bus again for a quick drive to the Museum. The first activity we did was listening to a very important person tell us all about movies filmed in WA, followed by some very good advice if you want to start acting which was “if you have a job in mind keep going at it no matter what”. 

After we all made it down the stars and piled out the door we headed off to another small building for our next activity. Which was green screening, a silent cinema and one minute movie making, out of those three green screening was definitely my favourite because we got to make it look like there was a bunch of floating heads out in space. Soon after we got to do heaps of little games like dress the mannequin and making story scenes, followed by meeting Mrs Egg from Lockie Lenard and other well-known films. We then said a big thank you and headed back to school after a long day out and about. 

My favourite part of the whole day was laughing with my friends when the little boy of Windcatcher flew over a raging bushfire with a whole car door. In conclusion it was an amazing day, and I would love to do it again, also a big thanks to all the staff that organised the trip.

Flynn Huntley (Year Ten) shared his experience:

The day dawned with promise as the Years Ten, Eleven and Twelve media classes of Great Southern Grammar embarked on a captivating media excursion to the renowned Cinefest Festival. The itinerary brimmed with enriching experiences, offering a glimpse into the dynamic world of cinema.

The journey commenced with an invigorating talk by Della Rae-Morrison, a revered figure in the film industry. With passion and grace, she shared her insights and journey, punctuated by a delightful Noongar language activity that celebrated the cultural heritage of Western Australia's indigenous people.

Next on the agenda was a meeting with the CEO of Cinefest Film Festival. Her vision for the festival and candid discussion on the industry's challenges and opportunities left an indelible impression, fuelling our aspirations for greatness in the realm of storytelling. 

Led by Mr Mills, a key figure at Cinefest, we delved into a series of engaging activities. From sorting various film industry roles to immersive story-writing sessions and captivating fashion showcases, each activity offered a unique perspective on the art of filmmaking and the collaborative spirit that drives it. 

A leisurely lunch provided a moment of respite. Energised, we embarked on a return bus trip to the cinemas, the climax of the day was the screening of "Sweet As," a cinematic gem that transported us to realms of imagination and emotion. It follows the journey of a troubled young girl and how photography became her escape and aid to recovery. 

Following the screening, a riveting Q&A session with the director illuminated the creative process behind the film, leaving us inspired and invigorated.

On the bus back to GSG we felt privileged to be involved in the festival and grateful to all the teachers and support staff that made it happen.

Miss Katie Gunning | Teacher