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Did you know that Sydney’s short film festival, Tropfest, has a New York version?

Tropfest originated at the well-known Tropicana Café in Sydney in 1993. Over the past fifteen years, it has evolved into the “Olympics of Short Film” and into an Australian cultural phenomenon with the festival screening live via satellite to over 150,000 people in eight cities across the continent. Tropfest NY

This year Tropfest NY was won by an Australian made film “Mankind Is No Island”. Made using a mobile phone and filmed on the streets of Sydney and New York for a budget of $57 (obviously they didn’t count the airfare) this film also topped the people’s choice voting.

Made using footage of street signs the film-maker tells a story which is a meditation on the homeless people of our cities. See what you think.

You can listen to an interview with the director, Jason Van Genderen, on The Media Report (there is also a transcript).

by HeathS

Dear All,

Please Submit your answer to this question with a half or full - page response as to why this film is your favourite!

Your responses will be published on the Blog and open for viewing under the “Heath” category page.

Please also see our “Your Favourite Book” page which is also located in he “Heath” category page.

We look forward to your responses!

HeathS.

[email your response to Mrs Thomson]

Recently the LitFlicks team watched King Arthur as part of their close look into Arthurian legend in literature and film. Here is what one correspondent thought. Further comments welcome.

King Arthur, directed by Antoine Fuqua, incorporates many themes of Arthurian legend. The story, set in 452 A.D. shows many vital themes and issues in medieval days including: religion, battle, love, and bravery throughout the film.

The Director uses many theatrical devices to successfully portray King Arthur as a hero and the importance of Arthurian Legend. Throughout the many battles during the film, the use of suspense from music, camera angles, fire, and many more features created the correct theme and mood for the story.

During the film religion remained a crucial issue. The movie made it hard to comprehend to what religion Arthur and his opposition were committed. Bravery was also a vital theme shown in battles throughout the story.

Towards the end of the film, after prisoner Guinevere enters the story, love is shown from Arthur towards her. This is continued throughout the story until the ending of the film.