Blacktown Shorts Announcement

Blacktown Arts is pleased to announce the successful applicants of Blacktown Shorts.

Blacktown Shorts is a new western Sydney film festival, delivered as part of Blacktown Arts’ upcoming Magnify 2019 festival in Blacktown directed by Vonne Patiag.

The successful applicants are:

Herbert Leota – Graffiti

Wayne Tunks – Queer Kid

Lily Cheng – Chinese Ghosts

Sabina Giado – Sri Lankan artist

Thuy Nguyen – Nigerian Fashion

Local filmmaker Vonne Patiag reflected on the overwhelming response to the Expressions of Interest, posted earlier in the year: “I’m pleased to see so many entries from Western Sydney creatives, both already active filmmakers and avid diverse storytellers. We’ve had applications spanning all genres, including comedy, action and documentary, from established creatives to relative newcomers, but the sheer amount of applications proves that filmmakers are active in the area and are in need of more support and infrastructure for their projects. Together, I’m looking forward to bridging the gap between local filmmakers and local audiences, and helping these stories come to life on the screen that showcase the diversity, heart and talent Western Sydney has to offer.”

Vonne Patiag, a local filmmaker, has been appointed Festival Director and will continue to oversee the curatorial process. He will brief and liaise with the successful filmmaking teams and provide logistical and producing support over the coming months.

Magnify

Magnify is a multi-artform program that will take place across eight distinct sites throughout Blacktown between 3 August and 15 September 2019.  The program explores Blacktown’s identity and connection to place by building collaborations between artists and local communities. It will offer opportunities for artists and audiences to experience arts and culture in and outside of traditional cultural venues, sharing unique and intimate experiences, through new local voices.

Image Credit: Josh Morris