Feb 2010 - Awards Screening Highlights

On 29 November 2009, Campfire held its inaugural Awards screening at Federation Square, Melbourne. Indoors at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) cinema guests were treated to the world’s best short films of spiritual and existential significance, while outside, passers-by were shown a G-rated selection of the same on the big screen. The event was timed to coincide with the Parliament of the World’s Religions – an international inter-faith event held in Melbourne the following week. Despite the lack of publicity, the turn-out was better than healthy, with the former head of the Australian Film Institute, Deb Verhoeven declaring “the horizons for this festival are limitless.”
[View Deb's full speech (right), or right-click for mp3 download]

Awards

The winning filmmakers in attendance were presented with their award by Dr Bill Lesher, Chair of the Parliament, and acceptance speeches made on-screen by overseas filmmakers. An additional “People Choice” award was voted by the ACMI audience and announced at the after-party.

Results of the awards are as follows:

Individual category winners

* Youth Award (under 18yrs): Starting Over
* Best Documentary: The Shomer
* Best environmental: The Land Owns Us
* Best Comedy: Tarvuism

Grand Prize

* The Campfire Award: Hope (TG)
   For the best discussion-starter, advancing the best combination of peace, love and vigorous debate
* Campfire Runner-up: A Land Called Paradise
* Campfire Special Mention (1): The Foxhole Manifesto
* Campfire Special Mention (2): Portrait of a Stranger

Other films screened

* Festival Director's Special (1): Chasing
* Festival Director's Special (2): The Passion of Marc

People's Choice (ACMI audience): A Land Called Paradise

The judges

The films were judged independently by representatives of every major faith community in Australia, along with other dignitaries like award-winning filmmaker Amiel Courtin-Wilson and ABC religious broadcaster Rachael Kohn. See our full list of judges.
Campfire judge Mikael Smith shared his thoughts on judging the films during the award ceremony, while Jonathan Keren-Black spoke at the after-party drinks, including a discussion with the makers of The Shomer.

Looking ahead

Buoyed by the success of the event, Campfire continues online in 2010. The next online festival will take place in May with the usual fascinating collection of short films of all persuasions from around the world.
A major focus for 2010 is to upgrade the website to better serve both filmmakers and the audiences. We encourage people to make use of the films for educational, interfaith and religious purposes. Contact us to find out how. Follow us on FaceBook, Twitter, or ask to join our mailing list to keep up with developments as they unfold.