Sony has announced the winners of the second annual Catchlight Film Festival, which recognises filmmakers from Australia and New Zealand that have chosen to tell their stories with a Sony camera.
Judges including Yolande Ramke (Non-Fiction), Tim Ferguson (Fiction), Kim Batterham (Student Fiction) & Sony Music Australia (Music Video) chose the four winning films from the 17 finalist films in this year’s lineup.
Jun Yoon, head of Sony digital imaging ANZ commented: “I continue to be blown away by the talented filmmakers that submitted entries in this year’s Catchlight Film Festival. The creativity, dedication and passion of these storytellers is evident in the work they submitted. Congratulations to everyone who worked on these amazing films and especially to the four winning films and their crew. The Australian & New Zealand film industry is in good hands!”
The awards were announced on Saturday August 27th at the red carpet awards ceremony held in Sydney.
Fiction Winner: The Urn by Ash Gray
Shot on: Alpha 7S II
What price would you pay for any wish to come true? A dark story of an urn that will grant its owner anything they desire, but each wish comes with a steep price.
Non-Fiction Winner: Ink Train by Olly Sindle
Shot on: Alpha 7S II
Since COVID, the world has re-defined the very nature of work and commuting. This film re-imagines the daily train commute as an exploration of the shared human connections that have always been present but are often invisible within such environments.
Music Video Winner: River Nile – Elsy Wameyo by Leighton Bond
Shot on: FX6
The music video follows Elsy Wameyo, channelling the environment of her Kenyan homeland in the juxtaposed surroundings of South Australia. Describing the song, Elsy said: “ I had been so weak, fighting a battle that was never mine. This song came about after I learned to strategically use the power within. I journeyed with this song to find a place of rest. I reached a level where I no longer had to work. Instead, is used the forces around me to gain altitude. The moment I found it, it was game over for everyone else.”
Student Fiction Winner: Swings & Roundabouts by Tahlia Mag
Shot on: FX6
Finn and Amber have been friends their wholes lives, and as long as Finn can remember he has loved her more than anyone else. One unassuming Summer evening Finn is compelled to finally confess his feelings for her.
SPECIAL LAURELS
Best Cinematography in Fiction, supported by Videocraft
Let Me Be by Aiden Green
Best Cinematography in Non-Fiction, supported by Lemac
Gone with the Wing by Andrew Englisch
Best Cinematography in Music Video, supported by Lemac
Mayali by Jesse Leaman
Best Cinematography in Student Fiction, supported by Atomos
Bomb Voyage by Kristoffer Lucia
Best Sony Lens Work
Amie – Life Underwater by Danny Escort
