Over all winning film for the Heart of Gold Film Festival for 2009 went to "Gone Fishing" directed by Chris Jones (UK). Definitely deserving of the award with this story's unexpected twist!
The Australian animation, "Mutt", directed by Glen Hunwick, was brilliant with Matilda and Mutt as true blue Aussie characters. The award winning movie to pull on heartstrings had to be, the story of a sign, "Historia De Un Letrero" directed by Alonso Alvarez Barreda: Mexico/EUA Drama 2007. A man's life is transformed through the simple gift of another in this emotionally charged short film.
The unexpected film that impressed most came from "Mankind Is No Island", the Australian Documentary, 2008, filmed entirely on a mobile phone. Jason van Genderen used signage from the streets of New York and Sydney to tell this story. No spoken dialogue, only words from street signs to challenge our connection with the homeless. The film cost $57 to make yet it is true creative art.
The Heart of Gold International Film Festival not only has its historic setting where gold was first discovered and mined and the Valley Rattler steam train still runs but delivers gold when it comes to both Australian and International films.
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