Masterclass on offer for budding filmmakers

Aspiring young filmmakers are being offered the chance to upskill and hone their talents with a masterclass that aims to help those entering the Cinesnaps Short Film Competition this year.

Hosted by CinefestOZ, the masterclass is open to students aged 15-18, who will be taught about cinematography, directing, editing and production by industry professionals Taryn Laffar and Chanel Bowen.

Both guests strongly believe in supporting emerging Australian filmmakers and said they were looking forward to sharing their combined skill set with South West media students.

The theme for this year’s Cinesnaps competition is Mirrors and students are encouraged to work in teams of up to six to produce five-minute films.

All entrants will have their work judged by Australian filmmaking professionals in front of more than 200 guests at a youth red carpet screening during the CinefestOZ Festival in August.

Running since 2008, Cinesnaps has attracted more than 20,500 students — a feat long-term partner Rio Tinto said it was committed to continuing to foster. Rio Tinto Greater Hope Downs Operations general manager Gaby Poirer said the program created “incredible opportunities for young people across the South West”.

“It really empowers the students to then go out and utilise their skills, creating some fantastic films,” he said.

Bookings close on Tuesday for the masterclass, which will take place on April 11 at Geographe Bayview Resort.

Visit cinefestoz.com for more details.