On Thursday evening, I attended the Opening Night of the St Kilda Film Festival. I had never experienced this festival before and was eager to see what all the hype was about, especially since it is the focus of our latest project brief. I have to say however, I do not think I was completely satisfied. After making our way in, and the showing finally beginning, I feel as though the audience spent more time listening to speeches made than enjoying the glorious art that is short film. Understandably, as it was opening night there needed to be many individuals and bodies acknowledged and yes I was interested to hear about the funding from the government, but the only speech I was somewhat interested in was Festival Director of over 15 years Paul Harris. Perhaps this was because I just wanted to hear about film and cinema, and who better to listen to that the individual who choses what the audience sees throughout the duration of the festival.

Once the speeches were finally over, the shorts were screened. I was impressed by what was chosen, they were a great quality of film and commented on a range of things through the forms of documentary, drama, and a beautiful animation that I believe really stood out from the rest. Although it was brilliant to see this Australian talent and skill, I wasn’t completely satisfied. I don’t believe that I saw enough. I know that is an active choice that was made to entice audiences into returning to see more, but as the nights aim was to give insight into the entire festival, I feel like I wasn’t given a big enough taste. Maybe my taste has been broadened from being exposed to a larger range of cinema since starting my degree, and that’s why I wanted to see more, due to my vast interest in foreign cinema, however this festival obviously isn’t about that but the embracing of Australian talent – which it achieved successfully. Overall it was a lovely night, it just ended too quickly. It will help immensely in the formation of our project brief 4 artefact as I can now give more of an insight into how programming is used to entice audiences.