Fraser Shorts film festival set to launch on Fraser Coast

An exciting new chapter for the Fraser Coast film industry is being launched in the hopes of attracting more production companies to the region.

A new short film festival is set to be launched on the Fraser Coast.

A new short film festival is set to be launched on the Fraser Coast.

Screen Fraser Coast co-chair Amy Friesen said the short film festival and other initiatives would create opportunities for people to work together on projects and retain them in the region.

The new festival, Fraser Shorts, will be held in October along with an awards night.

Entries into the festival open on March 1 through Film Freeway.

“We’re keen to maintain the momentum created by the recent release of the feature film He Loves Me Not, by local production company Fraser Coast Films, and the launch of the Hervey Bay Film Festival last year,” she said.

He Loves Me Not stars Rhiannon Fish and Lincoln Lewis.

Fraser Coast Films grew out of the team that directed and produced psychological thriller 13 Summers, a movie shot in Hervey Bay in 2022 and released in 2023.

Screen Fraser Coast co-chair Amy Friesen said the short film festival and other initiatives would create opportunities for people to work together on projects and retain them in the region.

He Loves Me Not is about a wildcard contestant starring on a reality television show, similar to The Bachelor, who is in it for the money but ends up falling in love with the leading man.

Ms Fish, an international star who appeared in When Love Springs, A Royal in Paradise, Team Bride, and For the Love of Chocolate, plays the leading female role of Holiday, supported by Georgie Parker, star of Home and Away, All Saints and A Country Practice.

“We have a fantastic film community on the Fraser Coast and we need to bring everyone together, keep opportunities in our region and foster growth,” Ms Friesen said.

A new short film festival is set to be launched on the Fraser Coast.

“It’s about attracting production companies to film in our stunning region and providing the cast, crew and support they need.”

Co-chair Samantha Gould said other regions had similar industry representatives to drive filmmakers to their parts of the country.

“We see an opportunity for the Fraser Coast to be seen as a destination to film movies which also helps to drive tourism,” she said.

“We want to provide opportunities for those within the industry a place to connect, network and create.”

Ms Gould said Screen Fraser Coast’s mission was to foster a collaborative environment where filmmakers, talent, and industry professionals could thrive, to promote local projects, provide valuable resources, and create opportunities for growth and innovation on within the entertainment and arts community.

“By connecting passionate individuals and organisations, Screen Fraser Coast can elevate the region’s cinematic presence and support the development of unique, impactful stories and productions,” she said.

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Originally published as Fraser Shorts film festival set to launch on Fraser Coast