The Lightkeeper has swept the 20th Byron Bay International Film Festival, winning the festival’s two biggest awards.
The film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vic Sarin, took out Best Film and Best Dramatic Feature. Mr Sarin’s career began behind the camera at the ABC in Australia.
The festival ran from Friday, 16 October, to Sunday, 25 October, marking 20 years of independent cinema in the Northern Rivers.
The awards are about more than trophies. BBFF’s feature film awards recognise films that have not yet secured an Australian distributor. That gives deserving films a chance to stand out and take the next step towards wider release.
“Our Awards were created to celebrate the true spirit of independent filmmaking,” said Festival Director J’aimee Skippon-Volke.
“These are filmmakers who have had the vision, determination and courage to bring their stories to life, often without the backing of traditional industry structures.”
Festival recognition can be a valuable calling card for filmmakers. It can generate publicity, build audiences, and open doors to future opportunities.
The winners came from feature drama, documentary, animation, music, environmental storytelling, and experimental cinema.
Australian music documentary That Half Barbaric Twang, directed by Stephen Dupont, won Best Music Documentary. Crack Me Open received Best Documentary, and Magic Island took home Best Surf Film.
There was a win for the home team too. Tibor, directed by Byron-based filmmaker Dominic Allen, won Best Byron Film.
The Rob Stewart Conservation Award went to Ganibarra, for filmmaking that engages with environmental and conservation issues.
Jake James Whitford was named Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year for The Squatters and the Fairy Princess. That award was announced earlier in the festival.
The full list of winners:
Best Film: The Lightkeeper
Best Dramatic Feature: The Lightkeeper
Best Documentary: Crack Me Open
Best Music Documentary: That Half Barbaric Twang
Best Surf Film: Magic Island
Best Short Film: 12 Points
Best Animation: Ducks
Best Experimental Film: Chaortic
Best Screenplay: Hell’s Gate
Best Cinematography: She In Storms, with an honourable mention for Message from Khan
Best Music Video: Tamara Flores – Chingona
Rob Stewart Conservation Award: Ganibarra
Best Byron Film: Tibor
Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year: Jake James Whitford, The Squatters and the Fairy Princess
Ms Skippon-Volke said the awards back independent voices.
“These Awards are about more than recognising achievement.”
“They’re about championing independent voices, celebrating creative ambition and helping filmmakers take their next step.”
Festival information is at www.bbff.com.au
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