Inspired Film Festival finalists

The finalists of the Inspired Dance Film Festival were presented on November 14 at Hoyts Moore Park in Sydney. Founded by Ian Knowles and Rohan Senior, the Festival is an expert curation of choreographic and cinematic creations, allowing artists to exhibit work on an international platform.

There were 11 finalists from around the world. Australian finalists included Australian Ballet members Mason Lovegrove and Serena Graham, contemporary dance luminary Sue Healey, and the Australasian Dance Collective’s Jack Lister.

Lister’s choreographic contribution, Still Life was the festival winner. A collaboration between ADC and KIOSK Film, directed by Ryan Renshaw, the triptych of films featured six stellar ADC dancers. The group together in a variety of industrial and underground locations, exploring an interplay of man-made and natural elements.

Healey’s film Live Action Relay was another highlight, walking away with "Best Live Action Film" for its unusual method of creation. Featuring Sydney-based dancers Allie Graham, Billy Keohavong and Raghav Kanda, the mix of drone and camera filming was broadcast live from the cliffs of Bombo on the south NSW coast; a nod to the medium’s exciting potential for experimental work.

The breadth of deeply considered and finely executed works highlights the exciting space the Festival occupies in the industry. A coup for the festival founders, the eve generated a buzz of anticipation for next year’s developments.

- BELLE BEASLEY

The Inspired Dance Film Festival is taking two curated screenings of this season’s best Australian and International dance films on tour. They will be screened in two sessions in one afternoon at Palace Kino Cinemas in Melbourne, Palace James St Cinemas in Brisbane and Palace Byron Bay on Dec 5 at 2pm, and at Palace Electric Cinemas in Canberra on January 16, 2022, at 3.30 pm. For full program, go here.