Essays Musings on Film
Writing from the CCFF Team
A Short History of the Australian Accent in Hollywood
In 1954, actor Michael Pate told the Sydney Morning Herald, "Australians hoping to make good in Hollywood should get rid of their accent completely”
Behind the Scenes: A Look at the Selection Process for Film Festivals
Film festivals are the ultimate showcases for cinematic talent, allowing filmmakers to premiere their work to audiences and critics alike. But have you ever wondered how films get selected for these prestigious events? The process is intricate and multifaceted, involving several steps and numerous individuals. Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at the selection process, drawing examples from some of the most renowned film festivals worldwide, including Cannes, Sundance, and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
From Trash to Hollywood: The Cinematic Journey of John Waters
There is nothing conventional about John Waters. He’s a writer, columnist, stand-up comedian, social commentator, artist, advocate for gay rights, obsessed with crime, and lover of the perverse. Most importantly, he is an independent, transgressive filmmaker…
Navigating the Film Festival Frontier
As an actor and festival director in Australia, I’ve spent plenty of time navigating the ever-evolving maze of film festivals. But let’s face it—the landscape is changing
The Reality of Financing Indie Films in Australia
In Australian cinema's vast and dynamic landscape, indie filmmakers embark on a unique journey filled with gold dust and dreams.
Don’t Sleep on Short Films: Where Future Stars Are Born
Short films might not always make headlines, but they’re where the magic happens for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars before they hit the big time.
Short Films, Big Gains: How Tiny Projects Build Huge Careers
Short films are like going to the gym. You don't walk in on day one and try to bench-press a hundred kilos. You start small, maybe with some squats or a light jog. You test your limits, refine your form, and gradually work up to the heavy lifting