Film comp hopes to net the next Greta Gerwig

Lights. Camera. Action!

Wollongong City Council has put the call out for budding Illawarra filmmakers and storytellers to enter the Creative Wollongong Short Film Competition.

Last hosted in 2021, the competition aims to celebrate the natural beauty, creativity, and expertise we have locally and provide opportunities for amateur filmmakers to hone their craft.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said the competition — with categories for ages 12 – 24 and 25 years+ — was a fun way for aspiring filmmakers to express their creativity.

“We may well have the next Greta Gerwig or Steven Spielberg right here in the Illawarra,” said Cr Bradbery.

“The Creative Wollongong Short Film Competition is a great launchpad with $4,000 worth of prizes, including industry short courses and other professional opportunities, up for grabs.

“The best entries will be showcased at a free film festival scheduled for September on the picturesque shores of Lake Illawarra.”

Following a Tropfest tradition, all short films must hero the same ‘signature item’. In 2020 this was a banana and in 2021, in celebration of the then upcoming UCI Road World Championships, a bike helmet. This year the signature item is ‘water’.

“Each film needs to incorporate water; be that as a theme, object, character or setting. Filmmakers should draw inspiration from Lake Illawarra, as well as beaches, pools, rock pools and creeks in the area.

“We have some extraordinarily creative people in the Illawarra and we’re sure there will be some fascinating storytelling that comes out of this competition.

“You could say we’re looking for absorbing content that’ll make a real splash,” quipped Cr Bradbery.

The Creative Wollongong Short Film Competition and Festival are hosted by Wollongong City Council in partnership with Screen Illawarra and Shellharbour City Council, and supported by the NSW Government, Bus Stop Films, Careways and Coequal.

Screen Illlawarra Chair Nick Bolton said they would match local production companies with emerging filmmakers and bring teams together to create something really special.

“And what better place to watch films than the shores of our beautiful Lake Illawarra,” said Mr Bolton.

Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the competition supported the goals of the Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Program 2020-2030, a joint venture of Shellharbour City Council, Wollongong City Council, and other key stakeholders.

“We want to foster a deeper connection between the community and Lake Illawarra, including our stunning beaches,” said Mayor Homer.

“We aren’t throwing entrants in the deep end either; both councils will host free filmmaking workshops in the April school holidays. Keep an eye on Facebook for details as they are finalised.”

Entries are open now and close on Wednesday 31 July 2024. Visit the competition page for entry instructions and judging criteria.