"Dungog Festival"
October 6, 2009
Over four days in May Dungog played host to over 6000 film fanatics as they flocked to the tiny historic town for the 3rd annual Dungog Film Festival, the biggest Aussie movie bush bash in the country. Many were locals, others hailed from Sydney and arrived in style by festival express and a few even trekked from the far-flung corners of the country to see what all the hype is about.
Those who arrived for opening night packed into the historic James Theatre for the World Premiere of Richard Frankland’s riotous new road trip comedy Stone Bros followed by a three-course feast in true country style, indulging in local produce and Hunter Valley wines under the Miners’ Marquee at the Dungog Showground. This set the pace for the next three days as festival-goers immersed themselves in the very best of Aussie cinema by day and partied into the night. Highlights of the program included the NSW Premiere of Kriv Stenders’ frontier drama Lucky Country, a sneak preview of Matthew Newton’s critically acclaimed Three Blind Mice, Joel Anderson’s chilling supernatural thriller Lake Mungo and the New Zealand hit comedy Second Hand Wedding. Audiences also had the chance to see some of their old favourites up on the big screen again with screenings of The Year My Voice Broke, Bliss and The Adventures of Barry McKenzie. The stars came out in full force to support the festival and kick up their heels, with crowds at the now legendary NSW Mining’s Rock’N’Reel party treated to performances by Wes Carr and mingling with the likes of Underbelly’s Matthew Newton, Kat Stewart and Dustin Clare. Those who attended live script readings at the Raw Theatre had the chance to get up close and personal with Susie Porter, Matt Day and many other of Australia’s top acting talent; and aspiring and emerging filmmakers were given a unique insight into the filmmaking process at masterclasses with renowned director Ray Lawrence and cinematographer Geoff Burton.
Next year’s festival promises to build on what is already becoming a key event on the Aussie festival calendar. A million thanks go out to all our sponsors and supporters, in particular our presenting sponsor NSW Mining and everyone who made the 3rd annual Dungog Film Festival the awesome weekend it was. See you next year!
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