The third Bass Coast Shorts film festival returns in April, showcasing the talents of local film makers.
The films will screen across the Anzac Day weekend, with four separate screenings at Berninneit.
Screenings are also at the Archies Creek Hotel.
Bass Coast Shire Council and Australian Short Film Festivals have once again come together to support this initiative, spearheaded by festival director John Frohlich.
John has also launched the Archies Creek Hotel Thursday night short film nights in the lead-up to the film festival, a community collaboration with the Archies Creek Arts Collective.
"The objectives of the Thursday night film nights are simple," says Frohlich.
"To foster a love of short films, to create an interest in the forthcoming Bass Coast Shorts festival and ultimately to develop opportunities and skills for local film makers, both aspiring and emerging."
Bass Coast Shorts is a competition-based festival with submissions coming in throughout the year and awards in three categories: schools (under 18), local (South Gippsland), and open (everywhere else).
"The judges have been impressed by the quality of the entries so far," says Frohlich.
"Local film makers like Steve Dunn, an Inverloch-based diver and expert in marine flora and fauna, and Jess McGuirk, an award-winning Wonthaggi student, have produced thought-provoking documentaries of particular interest to the Bass Coast community."
The program will feature award-winning national and international films and animations.
As part of the festival there will also be forums and Q&As with filmmakers and screen industry guests, some screenings at Archies Creek Hotel and a two-day workshop for emerging filmmakers in the lead-up to the festival.
There are 12 different categories for the short films, including local, under 18, documentary, animation, music video, coastal life, First Nations stories and emerging talent.
Screening times for the Bass Coast Shorts film festival are:
- Thursday April 24, 7pm-9pm (Sneak peek), Archies Creek Hotel
- Friday April 25, 6pm-9pm (Opening night screening), Berninneit
- Saturday April 26, 2pm-4pm (Screening), Berninneit
- Saturday April 26, 4.30pm-5.30pm (Free festival forum), Berninneit
- Saturday April 26, 6.30pm-9.30pm (Screening and awards), Berninneit
- Sunday April 27, 3pm-5pm (Closing screening, Archies Creek Hotel)
Each screening is a different program of short films showcasing selected entries. The festival forum is free and features Q&A with an industry guest. All welcome.
Tickets are $20 per session ($14 concession) online from the Bass Coast Shire Council website, Trybooking or from the box office (Berninneit sessions) or at the door (Archies Creek Hotel sessions)
Tickets: www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/bass-coast-shorts-film-festival-2025-berninneit