Festival hits movie Mecca

Joseph Guthrie looks over the 2014 program. 121748_01. Picture: ROB CAREW.

By KATH GANNAWAY

ONE of the thing things Yarra Ranges Film Society president Joseph Guthrie is looking forward to this week is catching up with film buffs like himself who come from all over Victoria to the Warburton Film Festival each year.
Heading into its fourth decade, the film festival is a pilgrimage for locals and visitors to the Mecca Theatre at the Upper Yarra Arts Centre.
“It’s a bit of a reunion over the three days of people who enjoy the atmosphere and everything Warburton has to offer as well as the films,” Joseph said.
The Show Us Your Shorts film competition is in its seventh year with films showing on the Friday and over the weekend before the main films.
Highlights this year include the documentary Fall Out based around Neville Schute’s classic On The Beach. Producer Peter Kaufmann and director Lawrence Johnston will be special guests with a Q&A after the film.
Joseph said the program provided a good variety of international and Australian films.
“We try to pick films that haven’t done the big circuits; Departures, the Japanese comedy and Gloria, a Chilean movie are great examples,” he said.
Tickets are still available for the films and for the dinners.
For more information visit www.warburtonfilmfestival.com.au