North Queensland Regional Conference

The North Queensland Regional Conference, presented by Essential Screen Skills, ATOMQld and Port Shorts Film Festival, will hit Port Douglas on October 19th.

On offer are exciting industry sessions, filmmaking skills workshops, curriculum sessions (including ACARA v9 and updated senior syllabuses), meeting screen industry practitioners and much more, including social events on Friday and Saturday nights and networking with the Port Shorts Film Festival events.

With additional exciting options on Friday October 18th as well!

While geographically hosted in FNQ, the regional conference is open to all. Session streams target primary teachers, secondary teachers, tertiary educators and emerging filmmakers.

Conference tickets include tickets to Port Shorts Film Festival on Saturday night and the Youth Night on Friday 18th, with industry networking opportunities!
Discounted accommodation will be available
$95 for Screen and Media Gateway Schools and ATOMQld members
$130 for non-members

REGISTER NOW

Stephen Curry’s top film locations in the Tropics

The Port Shorts Film Festival brings some of the world’s most talented emerging filmmakers to the tropics on the last weekend of October each year to showcase the most magnificent short films under the stars.

Featuring a stunning line-up including Port Shorts Ambassadors, legendary Aussie actor Stephen Curry and Wolf Creek Producer Matt Hearn, Port Shorts showcases not only the best emerging local and international filmmakers but some of the most breathtaking locations on the planet.

Curry and Hearn know a thing or two about spectacular movie locations in the tropics, in fact they fell in love with Port Douglas so much after their first visit as Port Shorts Ambassadors in 2015 they decided to use it as the location for their action-comedy heist feature film Cape Tribulation which they’re aiming to begin production on next year with an all-star international cast.

Without further ado, here’s Port Shorts Ambassador Steve Curry’s 6 best film locations in Port Douglas and the Daintree and what makes them so attractive for the big screen.

STEVE CURRY’S TOP FILM LOCATIONS IN THE TROPICS

The Great Barrier Reef Drive – Would have to be one of the most spectacular car chase locations on Earth, with the highway winding along the coastline as effortlessly as a bad hangover permeating your brain cells after a big night at the Ironbar.

Throw in a few slow caravans spicing up your car chase around the bends for dramatic effect, the potential to roll your Datsun off a seaside cliff if you go into the corners too hot and the chance to spot a whale frolicking off the coastline as you’re haring around and you’ve got all the ingredients for an epic car chase.

Image by @reubennutt

Great Barrier Reef – Port Douglas filmmaker Dean Miller had us all sucked in with his 2015 Port Shorts Film Festival Local Filmmaker Award-winning short film Seventh Natural Wonder in regards to the stunning natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

Not only is Port Douglas and the Daintree blessed with the closest access to some of the best parts of the Great Barrier Reef, but you have world-renowned filmmakers such as Dean as well as Richard Fitzpatrick and his team from Biopixel in Cairns which recently produced the IMAX blockbuster The Great Barrier Reefin your backyard capable of bringing out the best of the location for you.

Image by @divers_den

Daintree Rainforest– Where do you begin with locations in the Daintree Rainforest, everywhere you look you’ll see a tree that’s been there for 1000 years, a bit like me on your telly it feels like sometimes, or some odd-looking critter they probably haven’t even gotten around to naming yet, again a bit like me on a furry Sunday morning.

For Hearny and I, we really love the remoteness of the Daintree, particularly its endless stretches of pristine palm-fringed beaches where there’s hardly a footprint, let alone a bus full of Contiki tourists. We thought it would make a great place to dispose of a few Russian gangsters in Cape Tribulation, thrown in the river of course.

Port Douglas CBD– There’s heaps of handy locations within a few blocks of each other in the Port Douglas CBD, with everything from clapped-out fishing dingies to billionaires’ superyachts found down at the marina, the amazing foreshore backdrop at Rex Smeal Park and the Sugar Wharf, an historic theatre, the old-school character of the cane toad races at the Ironbar and even a massive footy oval if you need one.

Just remember the cane toads are for racing, not licking.

Cane Fields– If you’ve seen the 2016 Port Shorts Young Filmmaker Award-winning film The Adventures of Mr Muscular & Sidekick Boy by Oliver Marsden you’ll know that all kinds of strange cats can be found lurking in the cane fields. They offer so much potential to scare the crap out of someone or just give that fear of the unknown, and around Port Douglas and the Daintree the cane fields are surrounded by such impressive rainforest backdrops you can’t go wrong when you’re looking for a location to provide some natural suspense.

Image by @powershala

Posh Houses– I’ve always said if it’s good enough for Rupert Murdoch, it’s usually good enough for me, and with every billionaire worth his weight in Himalayan rock salt having a luxurious holiday pad in Port Douglas there’s no shortage of deluxe homesteads for your characters to kick back in. Your biggest problem will be getting your cast and crew out of there without raiding the wine cellar.

Image by @executiveretreats

Networking – If you’re a filmmaker or just love watching short films, then check out this year’s Port Shorts Film Festival to be held on October 26-27 in Rex Smeal Park, Port Douglas. The Port Shorts Masterclass Series is also held from October 24-27 bringing together some of the best film industry experts in the country which makes a great environment for filmmakers to network and establish relationships that could lead to collaborating on their next big project.

Port Shorts 2023

The Port Shorts Film Festival, taking place on October 13-14, 2023, is an incredible opportunity for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talents and learn from some of Australia’s most accomplished film experts. Held in a breathtaking location, the festival promises to be a feast for the senses, featuring some of the world’s best short films.

Whether you are a filmmaker looking to showcase your work, or simply a film enthusiast looking for an exciting cinematic experience, the Port Shorts Film Festival has something to offer. From workshops and masterclasses to screenings and networking opportunities, the festival provides a unique platform for filmmakers to connect with one another and share their passion for the art of cinema.

If you’re interested in attending the festival, be sure to mark your calendar for October 13-14, 2023, and keep an eye out for more information about tickets and programming as the festival draws near.

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Port Shorts on 10Play

A unique collaboration between Australia’s coolest short film festival in the tropics, national broadcaster Channel 10 and the Far North Queensland tourism industry will showcase some of the best emerging filmmakers from our own backyard and around the world to a national audience over the summer months while promoting our tropical destination to interstate holidaymakers.

The Very Best Of Port Shorts Film Festival is set to entertain audiences nationally from December 7, featuring on Channel 10’s hugely popular 10 play platform for three months alongside some of Australia’s favourite television shows and supported by a major destination marketing campaign by Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree and Douglas Shire Council.

The two-hour smorgasbord of snack-sized cinema classics celebrates the most amazing short films to be screened under the stars at Port Shorts Film Festival held in Port Douglas in tropical Far North Queensland every October.

Watch here

Legendary Aussie actor and long-time Port Shorts Ambassador Stephen Curry will resume his host role for the 10 play showcase to support a festival he and fellow Festival Ambassador, Wolf Creek and Rogue Producer Matt Hearn, have taken to heart over the past five years.

“I mean let’s face it, who wouldn’t accept a trip to the tropics with one of your great mates to judge a film festival?” Curry said.

“But what me and Hearny found when we got up to Port Douglas for Port Shorts in 2015 was a really cool festival that put on a show of exceptional short films.

“We can’t wait to get back there every year, they can’t get rid of us, except when the festival clashes with COVID-19 lockdown.
“In the meantime we’re glad we get to share some of our favourites from the last five years because there’s some filmmakers featured, many of them Australian, who audiences deserve to hear a lot more about and 10 play is a great platform to achieve that.”

Hearn, whose company hotglue produced The Very Best Of Port Shorts for 10 play, has mentored several filmmakers he met at the festival and believes the future of filmmaking is in excellent hands.

“Good on Channel 10 for supporting these filmmakers by showing Australia what they’re capable of producing,” Hearn said.

“Each film featured moved us as judges in some way and hopefully the audience enjoys the journey as much as we have.”

Port Shorts Festival Director Ali George said the collaboration with 10 play was also a welcome boost for the local tourism industry hit hard by the financial impacts of COVID-19.

“We’re delighted Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree and Douglas Shire Council are supporting The Very Best Of Port Shorts on 10 play with a destination marketing campaign encouraging the 10 play audience to come up here and experience the tropics for themselves,” Ali said.

“After such a crazy year for everyone The Very Best Of Port Shorts on 10 play is a nice way to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome what will hopefully be a much brighter new year for the arts and tourism industries.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said the world’s oldest rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef had charmed many filmmakers wanting to capture the beauty of two World Heritage areas side by side.

“This collaboration with 10 play gives us the opportunity to reach a new audience of film lovers and encourage them to experience the destination that hosts Port Shorts,” he said.

TPDD Chief Executive Officer Tara Bennett agreed it was a great way to shine the spotlight on the destination.

“I am delighted to be involved in this collaboration to showcase our destination to a diverse audience via 10 Play and Port Shorts,” Ms Bennett said.

The Very Best Of Port Shorts is available on 10 play over the summer months. To check it out visit here.

2020 Port Shorts Virtual Film Festival

A worldwide audience will get the opportunity to experience the coolest film festival in the tropics for the first time when the 2020 Best Of Port Shorts Virtual Film Festival hits screens on October 16-17.

The Port Shorts Film Festival has grown to become one of Australia’s most important launching pads for emerging filmmakers over the past five years with the 2020 Best Of Port Shorts Virtual Film Festival showcasing their amazing talents over two huge nights of entertainment.

Supported by Screen Queensland and Tourism & Events Queensland, the 2020 Port Shorts Virtual Film Festival will also feature free virtual Masterclass Series workshops hosted by industry heavyweights including Hollywood’s go-to drone operators XM2 (Star Wars, 007, Fast & Furious, Pirates of the Caribbean, Thor), acclaimed sound engineer Steeve Body, producer Ashley Davis and screenwriter Kier Shorey.

Legendary Aussie actor and Port Shorts Ambassador Stephen Curry will resume hosting duties for the 2020 Port Shorts Virtual Film Festival and be involved in the Masterclass Series expert panel.

Festival Director Alison George said although it was disappointing the usual Port Shorts Film Festival had to be cancelled in 2020 due to the impacts of COVID-19, organisers were excited by the opportunity to reach new audiences with the 2020 Best Of Port Shorts Virtual Film Festival.

“We’ve put together an incredible selection of short films across all categories which promises to put the spotlight on the future of our screen industry,” Alison said.

“Audiences will laugh, cry and hopefully be encouraged to participate in the Port Shorts Film Festival when we roar back to life as a live event again in 2021.”

For all the details on the 2020 Best Of Port Shorts Virtual Film Festival go to portshorts.com.

← Port Shorts shines spotlight on future of filmmaking Port Shorts on 10Play →

Port Shorts shines spotlight on future of filmmaking

The 2019 Port Shorts Film Festival has shone the spotlight on the best short films from our own backyard and around the world in a hugely successful celebration of the future of filmmaking.More than 1200 film enthusiasts gathered under the stars and swaying palm trees of Port Douglas’ iconic Rex Smeal Park on October 25-26, the magnificent Coral Sea and Daintree Rainforest the backdrop for a magical two nights of short films on the big screen.

Festival Ambassador and MC Stephen Curry described the vibe of Port Shorts as like nothing he has experienced at a film festival before.

“The sense of anticipation from the crowd being in such a beautiful location and then seeing their reactions of pure joy when they realise what they’re watching is probably the best showcase of short films on the planet is a real pleasure to experience,” Curry said.

“Myself and fellow festival Judges and Ambassadors Matt Hearn and Kier Shorey are involved in this festival all year not just because it’s such a fabulous and fun event to be part of, but this festival is all about providing opportunities for emerging filmmakers and giving them the platform and skills to pursue their dreams in the industry.

“That’s why so many talented filmmakers are engaging with the festival now and coming up to be a part of it and why some of the best technicians in the industry volunteer their time to be involved each year as well.’’

Almost 1000 people enjoyed the Port Shorts Drone Awards, Port Shorts Local Filmmaker Awards and Port Shorts Open Filmmaker Awards on Saturday October 26 with Perth wunderkid Radheya Jegatheva winning the $5000 major prize for the third time with the worldwide premiere of his haunting animation The Quiet.

The Port Shorts Local Filmmaker Awards was an amazing showcase of local talent with James “Fry” Allen’s hilarious The King earning him the accolade along with plenty of laughs while one of Far North Queensland’s finest professional camera technicians Cam McGrath wowed Port Shorts Drone Award judges with Smile. Always.

Tumoulin filmmaker/farmer Matthew Blythe’s tearjerker Sea Rogue earned the Jury Prize with Adrian Rayner’s apocalyptic Sanctuary winning Peoples’ Choice.

The inaugural Port Primary Challenge and world-class Port Shorts Young Filmmaker Awards demonstrated the depths of talent and imagination Australian audiences can look forward to with the next generation on Friday October 25, the most creative clips from around the globe featuring afterwards with the Port Shorts Music Video Awards.

Mossman State School was crowned the inaugural winner of the Port Primary Challenge with their film karandal and the new category proving so successful festival organisers are keen to invite national and international entries from next year.

Cairns teenager Thaine Wood was a deserved winner of the Port Shorts Young Filmmaker Awards with his beautifully-framed me – a film about self while Melbourne filmmaker Lucy Knox impressed as winner of the Port Shorts Music Video Awards with her clip I Am Not Afraid.

The Emerging Artist Award was presented to Imogen Daly for her short film Broken Parts while Vasco Gonsalves received a special award and will spend a day working with festival special guest, acclaimed sound designer Steeve Body, for his film Missing.

Abi Muir picked up the most popular Shout Out Award for her fun music video Heebeejeebies.

Overall more than $15,000 in cash and prizes was distributed to filmmakers at the 2019 Port Shorts Film Festival making it one of the most rewarding in Australia.

Organisers also hosted the Port Shorts Masterclass Series in the days leading up to the festival, with more than 100 emerging filmmakers attending workshops conducted by film industry experts Steeve Body (sound design), Lawrence Woodward (stunt co-ordination), Mary Eggleston (acting), Kier Shorey (screenwriting), Dr Dean Miller (conservation filming) and XM2 (drones) as well as a full-day Youth Masterclass for Far North Queensland school students.

Masterclass Series organiser and Port Shorts Young Filmmaker Awards and Music Video Awards Festival Director Elliot Davidson said providing emerging filmmakers with access to the skills and knowledge of industry experts will always be a feature of Port Shorts.

“We put a lot of time and effort into bringing the best in the business to Far North Queensland and our Masterclass Series experts love working with our Port Shorts filmmaking community as they genuinely appreciate the opportunity,” Davidson said.

“As the world leaders in drone technology for the film industry, XM2 work on pretty much every major international film production from Star Wars to 007 and and receive hundreds of requests to participate in film festivals around the world but they only do workshops at one festival and that’s ours so that tells us we’re doing something worthwhile.”

Port Shorts Film Festival Director Ali George paid tribute to everyone involved for making this year’s festival such a success on all levels.

“We had record entries, record attendance, record sponsorship and our best show yet this year and that all comes down to not only the efforts of organisers, Ambassadors and participating industry experts but the support of our volunteers, sponsors, suppliers and the local community who come out to support us each year,” George said.

“It takes a village to put on a festival the size and quality of Port Shorts and we really appreciate the way our local community and the wider filmmaking community embraces Port Shorts.”

The 2020 Port Shorts Film Festival will be held at Rex Smeal Park on October 16-17. To stay up to date with all the latest news visit portshorts.com.