Filmmakers prepare to rock Rockingham with film festival

It’s an exciting time for Rockingham as the finishing touches are being put together to hosting the first Rock The Boat Film Festival.

With just a week to go until the big day, festival director Renae Hardie Braovich says she is excited to showcase the work of a new generation of filmmakers from Rockingham and beyond.

“(People) can expect a showcase of short films and documentaries made by members of the Rockingham community from a variety of ages, lifestyles and experiences,” she said.

“The purpose of the festival is to help people tell their stories when they would otherwise not have the equipment or the production quality or a platform to do so.”

She said the festival would allow formats that were not typically permitted, such as vertical footage.

“We are hoping to inspire people to create art and share it with our community,” she said.

“I’ve been touched by feedback from some entrants who have said that this festival has given them a purpose and has motivated them to finish something they never would have done if it hadn’t been for a deadline to get it in and the chance to see their project on the big screen.”

RHB Films in association with the Rotary Club of Baldivis will host an opening night event on October 19 at 6.30pm, followed by a showcase of short films and documentaries.

There is more than $10,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs across the festival’s six categories, including under 5-10 minute short film, school/classes short film or documentary and under 5 minute portrait or landscape entries.

“We encourage the community to come along to whichever session they can, including the gala awards night on November 5, which is a celebration of our finalists, our community, and who we are,” Ms Hardie Braovich said.

The festival program can be viewed and downloaded from rocktheboatfilmfestival.com.au, with booking links available.