Local filmmakers are being encouraged to submit their work for the fifth edition of the Castlemaine Documentary Festival’s LOCALS program, with entries closing on April 30.
Dedicated to short documentaries made by or about people in the region, LOCALS has become a cornerstone event of the festival, offering a platform for both emerging and established voices.
Last month, filmmakers gathered at the Theatre Royal to share works in progress ahead of this year’s program, with a strong mix of stories already in development and a clear sense of excitement within the local filmmaking community.
CDoc is thrilled to announce the three jurors who will be bringing their passion and expertise to this year’s LOCALS judging process.
Katie Mitchell is an Emmy Award-winning nonfiction filmmaker and co-founder of The Visiting Room Project, with work premiering at Tribeca and acquired by PBS and HBO.
Director and cinematographer Keiran Watson Bonnice has worked across international festivals and broadcast, and is currently directing The Arrow Knows The Way, an observational documentary about the World Dwarf Games.
Castlemaine-based filmmaker Noora Niasari, co-founder of Parandeh Pictures, made her feature debut with Shayda, which won the Audience Award at Sundance in 2023.
The Castlemaine Documentary Festival runs from June 26–28 at the Theatre Royal. This year’s festival is built around the theme ‘Love – The Antidote’, bringing together a curated program of documentaries, conversations, music and parties that turn towards connection and our shared humanity.
Full program revealed on May 14. For early bird tickets, head to cdocff.com.au
For LOCALS submission details, visit cdocff.com.au/locals