Shorts Around Sydney Festival Winner Set For Recognition On World Stage

Bond University students’ film ‘Dead Shift’, winner of ‘Best Short Film’ in the Shorts around Sydney Short Film Festival, is set to take the world by storm as it is screened in 20 festivals internationally, including the prestigious New York City Horror Film Festival.

It will also be screened as part of the Deep Ellum Film Festival in Dallas, Texas, USA, which is considered to be the ‘Premiere Film Event of the Year’, as well as Australia’s very own EYESCREAM Short Film Festival in Sydney.

The short-film edged out over 33 other entries to take top honours at the Shorts around Sydney festival and will be aired along with the other 12 finalists’ films on Sydney’s newest television station Slice TV from November 21.

The film is an unusual blend of comedy and horror and was filmed by the Gold Coast students over three nights at a 7-Eleven gas station in Brisbane.

Director of the film Ana Djordjevic said, the ‘Best Short Film’ award is a collective award that belongs to the entire talented cast and crew of the film.

“It is a result of the collaborated efforts of producer Callum Webster, production designer Liv Ask, and cameraman Niklas Larsen,” she said.

Ms Djordjevic expressed that the award serves as confirmation of the audience’s appreciation for the film as well as recognition of the students’ contribution to the Australian film industry.

“Winning the award has provided us with a foot in the door in the competitive film industry and has encouraged us to continue developing films and entertaining audiences.

“Being taught by a film school that teaches at an international standard has better equipped us to produce films which can compete on the world stage,” she said.

Director of Bond’s Film and Television School Professor Bruce Molloy said, “The success of the film and achievement of the award is indicative of students’ exceptional technical capabilities and their understanding of the different genres”.

“The award serves as a stepping stone for the students and is a sign of great things to come,” said Professor Molloy.