The countdown is on for the inaugural to be held next Saturday (7 September) in Kanahooka.
Hosted by Wollongong City Council in partnership with Screen Illawarra, Shellharbour City Council and the NSW Government, the free festival will screen the best entries from the associated and water-themed short film competition.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The big screen will be set up on the grass at Lakeside Reserve, Kanahooka.
- The event kicks off at 5pm. Films will screen from 6.15pm until approx. 8.30pm when there will be a short presentation for the category winners.
- Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or picnic blanket. For dinner, you can pack a picnic or purchase either onsite (sausage sizzle, doughnuts and ice cream) or from the shops opposite (fish and chips, hot drinks, and sweet treats). No alcohol is allowed in the festival precinct.
- There is plenty of street parking on Lakeside Drive and Edgeworth Avenue. Please take extra care when crossing the road. Those looking to get active can utilise the Kanahooka Park carpark and stroll 1km along the lake foreshore to Kanahooka Reserve (pack a torch for the return journey!).
- There is a Transport NSW bus stop at Lakeside Reserve.
- The event will be postponed in case of heavy rain, thunderstorms, or if it’s too windy to erect the big screen. Check the or for updates on the day.
Here’s a teaser of some of the films:
Skull Hunters
By Bus Stop Films & SF3. Written and directed by Angela Blake
When two young teens hear about a skull washed up on the foreshore of Lake Illawarra, they decide to go find it and get famous.
Youth
Written and directed by Nicole Stojanovska
As elderly Tony ventures to Lake Illawarra with his caregiver, a poignant journey into his past unfolds when he crosses paths with a young couple in love.
The Waterhole
A film by Elias Rees, produced by Phil Crawford (Coequal) and starring Zane Condon, Khalani Harris and Mason Harris
Three cousins follow their Nan’s map to a secret waterhole in order to fulfil a special request.
The Crown
Produced by Creo Studio, written by Elkie Chadwick and Sebastian Chan, and directed by Elkie Chadwick
The tranquil waters of Lake Illawarra become a battleground as Little Fish’s prized crown sparks a struggle for power among underwater inhabitants.
Dear Ocean, I Love You
Directed by Tamia Herrera. Written and produced by Tamia Herrera, Maika Shiine James, Raina Shelton and Lily Piper
Set in the 1990s, this coming-of-age story follows Fleur as she reflects on her life and her struggle to accept her romantic feelings for her best friend, Cordelia.
