WA Stars in the Spotlight

26th February 2010

They may not be household names just yet but that will not stop the State’s finest filmmaking talent from celebrating the innovation and achievements of film and television in 2009.

Presented by the Film & Television Institute WA, the WA Screen Awards has remained the premier celebration of film in Western Australia since its inception in 1981. This tradition is certain to continue with a gala ceremony to be held at the Perth Concert Hall, Saturday the 6th March.
Many former WA Screen Award nominees such as Elissa Down (Writer/Director, Black Balloon), James Bogle (Director, Closed for Winter), Britt Arthur (International award winning documentary maker) and Kenta McGrath (respected local music video maker), have gone on to forge bright careers in the local, national and international film industry.

Film & Television Institute CEO Graeme Sward said the Awards provide the most value to the industry though introducing emerging talent. “One of the main accomplishments of the Awards is to bring early career filmmakers into contact with industry representatives. Our judging panels are made up of industry practitioners who have significant experience working on professional productions, with many nominees receiving offers of work or professional guidance following the judging of the awards.”

The 2009 nominees include a raft of such emerging talent including Vincenzo Perella & Dan Osborne who shot to prominence with the hilarious viral video This is Perth. The controversial duo has been nominated for three awards including Best Editor, Best Director (presented by Stella Artois) and Best Film (presented by Hog’s Breath Café). However they will face stiff competition from Arrival’s and Departures which has also been nominated for three major awards and is fresh from its win at the Bohemian Shorts – Fremantle Film Competition.

Image: Grant Sputore Photo: Marie Nirme