SFS films at the Clermont-Ferrand
Sydney Film School will be taking a slate of short films to market at one of the world’s top short film festivals, Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival & Market, in central France.
Since its inception 7 years ago, 77 Sydney Film School films have screened in 106 prestigious film festivals locally and abroad (including Flickerfest, Melbourne, Palm Springs, Sydney & SXSW), winning 34 first prizes. In addition, films have been broadcast in major territories and have been released on DVD in Australia and USA.
Sydney Film School Distribution Manager, Nicolas Szmidt will visit the festival on behalf of Sydney Film School.
“A few years ago we travelled to Cannes Film Festival, but this is our first year at Clermont-Ferrand. We have chosen six short films based on production values, genre, running time and awards,” said Mr Szmidt.
Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading short film festivals and also holds the biggest short film market. Delegates from all branches of short film production worldwide and major broadcasters (including Canal +, Arte, SBS, etc.) visit the festival with the aim of acquiring rights for short films.
“This is an opportunity to build awareness for Australian film schools internationally while showcasing the emerging talent of the Australian screen industry. Sydney Film School is proudly known as one of the top private film schools globally and is recognised for producing talented creative filmmakers. I’m confident international audiences will be impressed with our films,” said Mr Szmidt.
“We’ve selected films based on market research showing that broadcasters are looking for short films under 10 minutes, generally animation or comedy. Award winning films are also popular as broadcasters are assured of the film’s audience and quality.”
“I will also be using my time in Europe to attract more international students to Australian shores, build networks and investigate opportunities for exchange programs with other schools. Sydney Film School already has a relationship with Ecole Supérieure d’Études Cinématographiques (ESEC) in Paris and a film school in Madrid with which we are implementing a free study graduate exchange but we’d like to expand our European network.”
Sydney Film School aims to provide a career pathway for students, with access to industry leaders and networks that extend to an international community of students, graduates, teachers, industry Board, filmmakers, distributors, festivals, audiences and friends. We have a strong global community, with students from 42 different countries attending the school since 2004.
As Distribution Manager, Nicolas develops and manages distribution strategies for a slate of films, enters films into festivals, negotiates rights management, sales with international and local broadcasters, and contractual agreements for film screenings. Prior to working with Sydney Film School Nicolas was with Titan View (distributor of 33 Postcards, The Jammed, Men’s Group) and Sydney Underground Film Festival.
Last year 100 distributors from 31 exhibiting countries attended the festival.
34th Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival will run from January 27 to February 4.
www.clermont-filmfest.com
SFS FILMS SELECTED FOR THE CLERMONT-FERRAND MARKET:
Acquario
Fiction (12’11’’)
Director: Davide Pochinu Carta
Producer: Clementine Oldfield
Synopsis: A honest portrayal about a young teenager confronted by the influences that surround her, and her attempt to make herself heard.
Letters Home
Fiction (11’34’’)
Director: Neilesh Verma
Producer: Carlos (Kiko) Costa
Synopsis: Jas is an isolated international student from India struggles to adapt to his new found homeland in Sydney Australia that is until he meets Tara a local at the convenience store where he works.
The Trip
Fiction (9’12’’)
Director: Angelo Lara
Producer: Joshua Tjen
Synopsis: Danny's had a big night out and just wants to get home into bed. Unfortunately, his trip won't be that easy.
Broken Wings
Animation (9’53’’)
Director/Producer: Jonathan Persson
Synopsis: The story of two lost souls from the sky, fallen to the world below.
Diogenes
Experimental (4’16’’)
Director: Neilesh Verma
Producer: Prathapan Thillainathan
Synopsis: A modern take on the ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope.
Timeline
Fiction (5’17‘’)
Director: Martin Jehle
Producer: Ana Jimenez
Synopsis: A couple fighting on a travelator.
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