Fist Full of Films

THERE'S NO DOUBT about it, there’s some serious talent kicking around the Territory when it comes to filmmaking. In 1999, the Fist Full of Films Festival was established to celebrate the NT’s best short flicks.

This month, after a five-year hiatus, the exciting film fest is being re-established thanks to the support of Darwin Community Arts. Festival Director Tim Parish says it’s an important initiative for emerging NT filmmakers.

“It is the only chance for young, emerging and established filmmakers to share their work,” he says.

“I think this kind of event is essential for developing a strong film community in that we are able to come together and celebrate the incredible creative work being produced across the Territory.”

The 2021 Fist Full of Films Festival showcases the best short films, documentaries, animations, music videos, drone video and experimental video art made by Territory filmmakers over the past two years. A special film workshop program also rolled out during August and September, giving creatives the chance to hone their skills.

“Our workshops were a huge success with almost all of them filled to capacity. It shows a strong appetite for more skills development in the local community, as people want to share their stories through the medium of video and film,” Parish says.

The festival culminates in a special red carpet Galah Awards Night at the home of Territory cinema, Deckchair Cinema, with winners from each of the categories in the running for $10,000 in prize money and rewards. There’s also a special showcase screening of all finalists the following Monday.

“The Galah Awards Night and Finalist Screening will be a real treat for film lovers, who’ll get the chance to see the very best of the NT’s creative screen industry and the diversity of the work being produced here in the Top End … We received over 130 submissions across all categories, which is a fantastic representation of the amount of creative activity taking place across the NT.”

All things going well, it looks like the awards are here to stay, with current plans to run the event every two years.

So take a bucket load of appreciation for Territory creativity and enjoy a Fist Full of Films on the big screen.

Fist Full of Films Festival: Galah Awards Night
WHEN SAT 6 NOV | 7PM
AT DECKCHAIR CINEMA
COST $17 | $13 CONC | $9 MEMB
INFO fistfulloffilms.com.au

Fist Full of Films: Showcase Screening
WHEN MON 8 NOV | 7-9PM
AT DECKCHAIR CINEMA
COST $17 | $13 CONC | $9 MEMB
INFO fistfulloffilms.com.au