Documentary about anonymous artist awarded Tropfest 2019 winner, whilst David Franjic picks up Best Cinematography – by Amy Owen and Genvin In
Despite raging storms wreaking havoc on-site a night before the sixteen finalist’s short film debut, Tropfest Australia rose like a phoenix to deliver a stand-out event, crowning Be You T. Fool, from director Brendan Pinches and cinematographer Dave Cleeve, winner of Tropfest 2019.
The short film was unanimously selected by a panel of industry leaders including AFI Award-winning Australian film legend Eric Bana (The Hulk), leading Australian actress Marta Dusseldorp (A Place to Call Home), AACTA-nominated Indigenous actor Aaron Pedersen (Mystery Road), screen starlet Jessica McNamee (Packed to the Rafters), award-winning filmmaker David Michôd (Animal Kingdom), and Australian producer Michele Bennett (Chopper).
Pinches’ film is a fascinating short documentary on Be You T. Fool, an iconic but anonymous Melbourne street artist inspiring commuters on the bustling Chandler Bridge with her distinct pasted portraits.
“The winning films for Tropfest 2019 were incredibly inspiring. Above all, the films explored crucial life lessons. It was a tough decision, and the variety of films made determining a winner very difficult,” said the jury. “Congratulations to all of the finalists for their amazing efforts!”
The award for Best Cinematography – which comes with a one-year subscription to the ACS – was selected by an esteemed panel consisting of Oscar-nominated Russell Boyd ACS ASC, Ellery Ryan ACS and Ashley Barron ACS. The prize was awarded to David Franjic for his work on the film Allie.
Also a documentary, Allie follows a car enthusiast, his recovery from illness and his bond with his partner’s daughter with a disability, who he takes to car shows. Director Cassie De Colling – who Filmmaker met the subject Bob by chance at the Northern Gal car show in Preston – has worked extensively over the past five years documenting the cultural practices of the Ngan’gityemerri people of the Daly River; she’s also filming a biopic of the renowned Aboriginal artist Regina Pilawuk Wilson, on behalf of the Australian Embassy in Washington DC.
The winners of the 2019 Tropfest‘s Craft Awards were also announced, recognising excellence in thier vital fields. As well as Franjic’s win for Allie; Pip Hart (Crush) for editing; Claire Worsman (Suck It) and her crew for production design; Michael Noonan (Notes to Salma) for sound; Benjamin Goldman (Safe Space) for original score; Jayce White (The Validation of Violet Worth) for VFX; Leela Varghese (also for Crush) for screenplay; and Edward Copestick (The Last Fight) for documentary screenplay.
For the first time in 27 years, Tropfest live-stream a ground-breaking, interactive show called Tropfest All Access. Audiences around Australia and the world were able to watch all sixteen finalist films from Tropfest 2019 at home, exclusively on Facebook Watch. The show featured the winner’s announcement, exclusive footage from throughout the night including the juror’s deliberations, and interviews with A-list stars.
Tropfest, Australia’s biggest and most prestigious short film festival and one of its most iconic cultural events, will return again in 2020.
Amy Owen and Genvin In both work for Cardinal Spin and are good friends of Australian Cinematographer Magazine.