Talented Bella Merlino of Greenacre vies for Trop Jr prize
As soon as she was big enough to use an iPad, Greenacre’s Bella Merlino has been a film maker.
As soon as she was big enough to use an iPad, Greenacre’s Bella Merlino has been a film maker.
Her father, Renato, remembers her going away with visiting children and returning a few hours later with a mini movie of all of them, which she showed to her family and friends.
Now aged 14, Bella is an award-winning film maker, who is one of the 16 finalists for Trop Jr — regarded as the world’s largest short film festival for children.
Her entry in the comedy section, She Loves Me, was inspired by her parents and brother, and features well known clown doctor Curly Fernandez.
Incidentally, Dr Fernandez taught Bella about acting.
“It took me four weeks to shoot the film and I had to edit it from two hours to seven minutes,” Bella, who did all the filming at her home, said.
“I had a feeling at the end of my editing that this is what I want.
“I didn’t use a script as such but improvised as we went along.
“I shot the film using a Sony camera and a tripod.
“I taught myself with tutorials and learning from other people.”
Bella, a student at Santa Sabina College, Strathfield, could win $1500 and a Western Sydney University Studio package valued at $12,500 if she takes home the top prize on February 9.
Bella is currently vying for the national finals in the UN Youth Voice Public Speaking in Perth in April.
“I know all parents say their children are special but believe me, Bella has the most incredible heart for a child,” her dad, Renato, said.
“She does not show off or flaunt her success.”
HER AWARDS INCLUDE:
Winner of the Canterbury Bankstown Youth Achievement Awards in Arts and Culture
SydneyEisteddfords: poetry, prose, monologues, public speaking and mime
Winner of the Reelise Film Festival
Winner of the Australian Cinematographers Society award for best film in Cinekids section
Winner of the Burwood Rotary speech craft public speaking event
What: Trop Jr 2019
When: Saturday 9 February, 2019, 4:45 — 6:30PM
Where: The Crescent, Parramatta Park, Parramatta NSW 2150
Cost: Free
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