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.
Hundreds of great pics - taken at the Festival by photographer Matthieu Rossat - are available for viewing (and high-res download) from our Flickr site. Have YOU been spotted?
Thanks to all who joined us last night for the Australian premiere (and sold out screening) of DAYS OF DARKNESS (L'AGE DES TENEBRES). It was great to share a glass of bubbly with film lovers in such a gorgeous setting!
You can already read a morning-after review here: http://tinyurl.com/6578nm
What did you think?
It could be that title, or it could be the promise of an open bar, pole dancing and hot DJ's, but we're sad to announce that Young People F***ing is now sold out.
Where are you from and what brings you to Oz?
I grew up in Washington DC, but I've been living in Boston for the past 3 years. I came to Sydney at the end August to participate in a Film Internship Program offered by my university (Boston University).
Did you know much about Canadian cinema before you started work on Possible Worlds?
Not much. I've seen a few Canadian films here and there, most memorably Snow Cake starring Sigourney Weaver, but not much emphasis is placed on Canadian cinema. My American professors were always quicker to reference French, Italian, Indian, etc. films than they were to look north. As a result, I rarely sought out films that were Canadian. If I was ever interested in watching a Canadian film, it was because of the subject matter, not the fact that the film was Canadian. That being said, I've really enjoyed watching this festival's films and my attitude towards Canadian film has definitely changed.
What have you been doing in the office?
I've been working on a variety of things, but I primarily help Matt with marketing. I have done micro-marketing research, written press releases, proofed program guides, etc. And sometimes I abandon Matt, and enjoy a movie or two.
You've seen most of the films screening at the festival, what's your favourite and why?
My favorite film is probably Only because it's the most accurate portrayal of childhood that I have ever seen in a film or any art work for that matter. It's also interesting to watch knowing that the directors and their son are the key actors in the film.
Any recommendation?
I would recommend going to see the closing night film, Everything is Fine. It's an incredible film about a guy whose four best friends killed themselves in a suicide pact. It is rather bleak and definitely a slower film, but you leave the theater feeling uplifted and entirely impressed by what the director has achieved.
Which event are you most looking forward to at the Festival?
I'm probably most excited about the screening of Only because it's my favorite film and I will get a chance to meet the director, but I'm also looking forward to the screening of Young People F***ing. It'll be a great party and the film is an intelligent comedy that people will really enjoy.
Experience Canada for yourself with this fantastic holiday, organized by the “Tailor Made Holiday Specialists” – Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays.
To win, simply rate a film you see at the Festival. Each vote for the Possible Worlds Audience Award for Best Film will enter you into the draw. See more films for more chances to win!
Fly to Vancouver on Air Canada’s new non-stop service – just 14 hours and you’re there!! Enjoy two nights at the Century Plaza Hotel & Spa in Vancouver before joining VIA Rail’s Silver & Blue Service in your own Private Compartment for the overnight journey to Jasper, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
After two days & nights in Jasper, you will head south to the Columbia Icefields with a trip in an Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier, before visiting Lake Louise and arriving in Banff. After two nights in Banff, return to Vancouver on a two day Mountain Quest Journey through the heart of British Columbia. Spend a night at Lac Le Jeune before visiting Whistler, ending your trip in Vancouver. Your return flight on Air Canada is also included.
Possible Worlds Film Festival, Utopia Records and Drum Media present Global Metal, a revealing documentary which follows passionate metalheads across 7 countries and 3 continents.
The film will have its big screen Sydney premiere at Utopia Records, 233 Broadway, on Saturday 29 November at 6:30pm. Following the screening will be free drinks and an after-party.
Global Metal sets out to discover how the West’s most misunderstood musical genre – heavy metal – has impacted the world’s cultures. The film follows metal fan and anthropologist Sam Dunn on a whirlwind journey through Asia, South America and the Middle East as he explores the underbelly of the world’s emerging extreme music scenes. The creators of cult hit Metal: A Headbangers Journey, reveal a worldwide community of metalheads, dealing with the issues relevant to them – corruption, conflict, religion, censorship – through the music and its ethos.
Whether you’re into metal or just along for the ride, we have your Saturday night entertainment covered! Tickets include free drinks and giveaways at the screening and free entry to Club Apocalypse at the Bald Faced Stag, Leichhardt. The after-party will feature live bands Our Last Enemy, 5starprisoncell and Daysend.
The film is part of a series of site-specific screenings taking place at the Festival. Young People F***ing will screen at Bobbi’s Pole Studio followed by steamy live performances, while The Museum will screen at the Australian Museum, presented by Canadian filmmaker Kenton Vaughan.
Sydney's French-Spanish Ensemble Choir will perform at the Closing Night of Possible Worlds, at the screening of Everything Is Fine (Tout Est Parfait).
This new choir ensemble, born out of the Sydney French Language Meetup Group, will sing a couple of songs in French as an intro to the Australian premiere of the acclaimed Quebec drama.
Everything Is Fine has been a surprise hit on the international festival circuit since its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year, winning many awards along the way. Don't miss your only opportunity to see this film on the big screen in Australia.
For those practicing their French, here's the trailer (sorry, no subtitles!):
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