SF3 returns with record entries, $50,000 in prizes… and a world of smartphone fun!
Australia’s gift to the world of filmmaking – the SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3) – returns in November with record-breaking numbers of entries from all over the world, offering screenings in multiple categories, a glittering gala final and heaps of special events – all to celebrate its 8th big year!
The Gala Finals will be held on Saturday 5 November at the Actors Centre Australia in Leichhardt, Sydney.
A red-carpet party kicks off from 5pm with photo wall, videographer, live music and bar; then the screening and awards ceremony from 6:30pm.
The following morning the SF3 Kids Finals and Awards Ceremony kick off at 11am, followed by the SF3 Mini & Feature Film Screening at 4pm, all at the same venue.
There will also be a masterclass and panel discussion between sessions.
The whole fest is also online from 5-20 November!
The festival fun continues the following weekend when – on Sunday 13th November from 12-2pm – Festival Ambassador and top Australian director of films such as Red Dog, Slim & I and more, Kriv Stenders (pictured below left) delivers a very special masterclass.
Founded in Sydney, SF3 – where each film must be entirely created using only a smart phone or tablet – brings a world of moviemaking to the fingertips of every creative person… and a world of filmmakers to Australia and – via online screenings – back out to the world!
SF3 received more than 300 entries this year including from new sources, such as Kenya and Nigeria where festival co-founder/director Angela Blake conducted extensive zoom masterclasses.
Other new entrants included from China as well as host of wonderful politically charged films from Central and South America.
As always, there was incredible work from around Australia as well as the USA, UK, France and further afield.
This year’s festival offers more than $50,000 in prizes across multiple categories. There are high-profile industry judges and a slew of festival Ambassadors!
The festival will be screening the work of scores of local filmmakers of all ages including three First Nations finalists who are competing for a $7000 prize from Dolby.
The first ever winner in this category, Kara Rose (pic above right) recently sold her 2021 SF3-winning film to SBS/NITV!
Local Melbourne filmmakers include:
Karl Heinz by Andrew Robb (Sunshine, Melbourne) – Comedy – A grumpy driver installs a technical upgrade to his old car with unexpected results.
Secluded by Amin Yekta (Melbourne) – Drama – A 12-year-old’s perspective on Isolation during Stage 4 COVID-19 in Victoria.
The Magic in Liberia by schoolboy brothers Oliver and Lucas Hamm (Melbourne) – Documentary – Oliver and Lucas travel to Liberia to experience a traditional Liberian wedding.
Nonno by Zev Howley (Balwyn, VIC) Adaptation / Drama – When Bella is asked to accompany her troublesome grandfather to the market, they get more than they bargain for.
And the first “Mobile SF3” event – in partnership with MINA (Mobile Innovation Network Australasia) – is slated for Melbourne 18-20 November – with screenings, masterclasses and networking events!
Festival Co-Founder Ali Crew (pictured centre above on left) said Smartphone filmmaking is refined and rough at the same time.
There truly are no limitations, no borders; the films in our festival this year reflect all those exciting possibilities.”
