3 Years Running with the Shorts Film Festival

For the third year running, I've been invited to be involved with the Shorts Film Festival.

What's that you might ask?

Well it's a fabulous event that I'd never heard of until I walked in to Garage bar many years ago, and saw rows of fold up chairs set out, facing the wall which had become a make-shift screening location for short films. A much more interesting way to enjoy a cocktail or two. I never would have set out to go and watch short films, as I don't see myself as an arts sort of person, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and the rest is history.

This year, I've just completed judging 16 short films (from non-SA film-makers) along with a panel of other SA judges, and our scores will now go in to the pool with other interstate judges to help decide which films will be screened at this year's Shorts Film Festival. Ultimately, those films will also be able to win a range of prizes and titles, on offer as part of the initiative.

The Festival is now far more sophisticated and far larger than when I first discovered it, but the same principles apply. I truely believe that there is something for everyone and it's exciting to glimpse into the creative minds of clever film makers out there.

I'll write more closer to the festival, but I just wanted to give you a heads up. This is a cool little event to watch out for. If you love having a glass of wine & some nibbles, while being entertained with your friends, the Shorts Film Festival promises a week of great nights out.

Shorts Film Festival 2012, 28 April-5 May @ Norwood Concert Hall.

Here's a photo from last year's Festival (when I was heavily pregnant with Ivy!)

Steve, David Lightfoot & I, Photo ©Alex Makeyev

The Face of the Adelaide Casino Adelaide Cup

Another judging gig is upon me. This time it's to help decide on the Face of Adelaide Casino Adelaide Cup.

I've always been a fan of the races so it's great to be involved. Perhaps I've seen My Fair Lady one too many times, but there is nothing like dressing up and going to the track. In the past I've spent months in the lead up to each major race day (Adelaide Cup, Melbourne Cup, Oakbank, Irish Race Day etc) planning my outfit down to the smallest detail, deciding on which marquee to attend, who to go along with, and how I'll be spending my day. And I always have a brilliant time.

This year, the Adelaide Casino have taken things to another level, with a new position being created - the highly anticipated inaugural Face of Adelaide Casino Adelaide Cup (gosh that's a mouthful).

David Christian (MD of Adelaide Casino), Liza Emanuele (fashion designer) and myself will be sitting down tomorrow to go through the potential 'Face' video entries and will spend 2-3 hours deciding on who is the best candidate for the esteemed role. Where was this ten years ago when I would have been the perfect candidate? Oh well, at least I'm part of the process.

Whoever is chosen after tomorrow's judging panel will transform into the glamorous go-to-girl for up-to-the-minute accounts of what’s happening and who’s hot around Adelaide, as well as trackside at Adelaide’s premier race day.

The actual announcement of the winner will happen this Friday (17 Feb) when the Adelaide Casino Adelaide Cup trophy arrives via horse back at Adelaide Casino.








Then, once my role as judge has come to an end, I can focus on the important things ahead of me. Like deciding what to wear to this year's Cup.