| REEL
brief history
2003 Belinda & Andrew
ran alfresco café, which was home to Noosa's only outdoor
community cinema at the time. They brought cult classics
to enthralled audiences, while at the same time raised money
for charity. With every night sold-out, it became obvious
that there was a huge audience and interest
in film on the Sunshine Coast. They developed the concept
that became REELmad.
2004 alfresco
hosted Noosa's very first 24-hour film making competition
REELmad - that was incorporated into the Noosa Long Weekend
program. The winners of the inaugural event, short-listed
from over 30 entries - were four 17-year-old boys from Noosa.
The Best Film and other categories was judged and awarded
by one of Australia's foremost film directors, Rolf de Heer.
An overnight success, with a crowd of over 200. REELmad was
born.
2005 REELmad outgrew
alfresco's gardens and a marquee was brought in to accommodate
the larger crowd. The event was officially opened and
launched by David Williamson and his son Rory, while ABC film
critics Margaret Pomeranz & David Stratton were our guest
judges, awarding prizes in 7 different categories from over
40 short listed entries. The sold-out crowd numbered over
250 resulting in standing room only.
2006 the ongoing
success of REELmad forced us once again to seek a larger venue
to accommodate the increasing interest. We were very grateful
to secure the House With No Steps located in Doonan. Interest
came from far and wide with over 50 entries tallied, the job
of short listing was made all the more difficult for our superstar
judges ~ Cassandra McGrath (wolf creek) Rachel Lucas
(bondi tsunumi). Close to 500 people turned out to the
event, which was a resounding success; we managed to raise
close to $5,000 for youth suicide prevention.
2007 The REELmad
juggernaut continued, and with industry workshops for filmmakers
were introduced in the lead-up to the big event. Once again
invited back to be part of the Noosa Long Weekend, REELmad
moved to "THE J" Noosa's premier venue for community
events, artistic programs and cultural activities. Our
celebrated judges included the return of Rachel Lucas &
Alex Mankiewicz. It was standing room only for many of the
filmmakers and supporters who frocked up for the gala e vent
on Sunday night. Not that anyone minded ..the energy
levels were electric. REELmad has definitely sealed its fate
by becoming an Iconic Noosa Event.
2008 The
dates are set for REELmad in Noosa, and we've already locked
in host of the ABC TV's Sunday Arts Program Michael Veitch
as esteemed MC and one of the judges! With support this
year from Queensland Events; team REELmad have a busy few
months ahead in pulling all the strings together to ensure
REELmad 2008 is the hottest ticket in town! |
