Our screening of "Young People F***ing" (and the party that followed) was the first event to sell out this year. When you look at this podcast, it's easy to understand why...
Simon Reynolds and Ingrid Veninger's ONLY was voted the most popular film at the Festival, averaging an incredible 3.75 stars out of 4 from its viewers.
The low-budget film charts the budding relationship between two twelve year-olds over the course of one day. Only's quiet, observational approach, naturalistic acting and understated charm won over Sydney audiences lucky enough to discover the film on the last day of the Festival. Co-director Simon Reynolds had flown over from Toronto to attend the Australian premiere and take part in a Q&A.
"Only was made with a love of process, in honor of exploration and discovery," the filmmakers explain. "Everyone took risks. The actors. The crew. The bands that gave us their music. Only was made in the name of trusting each other and trusting ourselves. In the end, we make movies to connect and communicate across boundaries and borders."
Reynolds and Veninger were thrilled when they heard the news. "Winning the Audience Award for Best Film at Possible Worlds in Sydney, Australia is a huge honor for us. We love making movies and there is no better feeling than traveling to festivals and seeing new films and meeting with filmmakers and sharing worlds. We are grateful, encouraged and inspired. VIVA Independent Cinema!"
The film is proving to be a big hit on the international circuit, following packed screenings at the Toronto, Vancouver and Rome international film festivals. ONLY will next screen is Slamdance, which takes place in Utah at the same time as the Sundance Film Festival, providing what its supporters consider a truer representation of independent film-making.
In the audience at the Sydney screening was singer-songwriter Rosie Catalano, who gave the film 4 stars. Rosie’s voting slip was picked at random, making her the winner of a fabulous trip for 2 to Canada, courtesy of Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays, Air Canada and the Canadian Tourism Commission.
“I came to Possible Worlds initially as a performer on opening night, and then returned to watch Stuck and Only,” says Rosie, whose band The Rouge Balloon performed at the Festival. “I've been talking about Only ever since to anyone who will listen, because I enjoyed it so much. It was such a unique film. I especially loved the Q&A afterwards - the director was lovely and gave us so much insight into how the film came about, so I feel really attached to it now.”
Rosie has never been to Canada but says “it was definitely on the horizon. I'm very happy to have won! I keep picturing what Jasper and Vancouver might be like and getting excited. I can't wait to go!”
Possible Worlds has just unleashed some webvideo mayhem! Relive Opening Night and catch a preview (of sorts) of Only before it hits the big screen tonight.
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