Film festival explores family violence causes

Film festival explores family violence causes
By: MELISSA CUNNINGHAM, The Courier, 6th October, 2015



A SHORT film festival delving into the complex triggers of family violence, will light up the Regent Cinema this month.

As part of the Zoom Short Film, budding film makers of all ages were encouraged to convey a respectful relationship they have with their family, friends or person they admire in the community on the big screen.

The initiative sparked a flurry of submissions from primary and secondary students across Ballarat, who were asked to create a three to five minute film, exploring what being in respectful relationships means to them.

The idea was the coinage of WRISC board member Jodie Kennedy who said she was inspired to replicate renowned world film festival Tropfest in Ballarat.

Tropfest is Australia's most prestigious short film competition and the largest short film festival in the world.

Earlier this year, WRISC Executive Officer Libby Jewson commended the initiative and said it was about educating younger generations that respectful relationships are one of the key preventives of family violence.

"Respectful relationships are something that help to influence positive community attitudes towards how people work and relate to each other," Ms Jewson said. "There is no room for any sort of violence whether it be financial, emotional or physical."

Ms Jewson said the festival would also hone in on other types of abuse, including bullying in workplaces and schools.

There was also an open category for adults to enter films with all proceeds of the film festival competition going directly to assist WRISC Family Violence support service.

WRISC acting executive officer Anita Koelle said hoped the festival would shine a light on the complexity of the issue by removing the stigma attached to family violence.

She said gender inequality lies at the heart of violence against women and everybody in the community from parents, teachers and bosses played a role in the big cultural shift required to eradicate it.

"It's about tackling the dangerous cultural norms like gender inequality that really need changing," Ms Koelle said. "To see combat violence of any kind we have to address the root cause rather than just the impact."

The Zoom Short Film Festival will premiere at the Regent Cinema, 49 Lydiard St North Ballarat on October 21 from 7pm.

For full details visit the Zoom Short Festival Facebook page or call WRISC on 53 333 666.  Tickets cost $17 for adults, $12 for concession and $10 for children.

To purchase a ticket, click here

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