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Lights, camera, action for ShireABILITY Film Competition

Sutherland Shire Council

Sutherland Shire Council is calling all aspiring filmmakers to put their talents to the test as part of the upcoming 2020 ShireABILITY Film Competition.

The event, now in its second year, is again being staged by Sutherland Shire Council in recognition and celebration of International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD), taking place on Thursday 3 December 2020.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce, said Council was delighted to once again support the competition, after the incredible community support generated in 2019.

“I am thrilled that Council and a number of fantastic local organisations are once again getting behind this competition, and can’t wait to see some of the brilliant entries I know will start flooding in once entries officially open,” Mayor Pesce said.

“We received overwhelming support for last year’s event, which unearthed some great local filmmaking talent that showcased inclusion and ability in the Sutherland Shire.

“The success of last year’s event highlighted the importance of Council’s work in supporting local community members who live with a disability, as well as working with a host of fantastic community organisations that support them.”

Entry into the ShireABILITY Film Competition is free and open to all ages, with entrants under 18 years of age required to complete a permission form signed by their parent or guardian.

Entries open on Saturday 1 August 2020 and must focus on ability and inclusion. The films must feature locations and/or people of the Sutherland Shire area and involve at least one person with a disability in the cast or crew. Entries close 5pm on Friday 30 October 2020.

Finalist entries will be screened on Sutherland Shire Council’s Facebook page at 6.30pm on Friday 27 November 2020, when this year’s winners will be announced.

The lead winning entry will receive $2,000 in prize money, with winners of four additional category prizes to be awarded $500 and one people’s choice award set to receive $1,000.

ShireABILITY aims to showcase the many organisations, facilities and spaces available in the Sutherland Shire that continually embrace being inclusive and celebrate people living in our community with a disability.

For those seeking filmmaking guidance, Council has partnered with Bus Stop Films and Shopfront Arts Co-Op to offer a practical online Filmmaking Tips and Tricks Session from 6 – 8pm, Wednesday 12 August 2020 via Zoom.

Those keen to enter the competition or register for the Filmmaking Tips and Tricks Session, or anyone seeking

/Public Release.