Press release from Miranda Riley
The much loved Heart of Gold International Film Festival has closed with a very positive outcome. Festival Director, Malcolm Blaylock, new management, sponsors and most importantly a dedicated team of over 120 volunteers, attracted just under 5000 filmgoers to the 5th annual Heart of Gold festival – a 20% increase on audience numbers, making this year the most well attended yet; generating smiles and much needed increases in spending for the local economy.
Heart of Gold 2011 was launched with a sold out Opening Night party heralding the start of a film-filled four days in Gympie. Visiting filmmakers arrived from overseas including Poland, Los Angeles, New York, Scotland and Sweden and there was an increase in Australian filmmaker attendance; particularly from Melbourne and Brisbane.
Amongst the most popular sessions were the Irish and Comedy programs, which quickly sold out along with increased audiences at the ever-popular Family programs. Proving once again that Heart of Gold caters to all ages and walks of life!
According to Festival Director Malcolm Blaylock, “We have no doubt that there were more people in attendance as numbers were up from the opening day. For some sessions the box office staff were worried that there may not be enough seats.”
Filmmakers reported that they enjoyed the festival and will return to their own corners of the world with positive stories of the Festival and Gympie. They all commented on the warmth and friendliness of everyone associated with the Festival.
Attending the Festival was Sandy Garfunkel, a Director from New York, USA. “Thank you all so much for having "Perhaps Tomorrow" at Heart of Gold. The entire community was incredibly generous and kind, and we truly enjoyed spending time with each and every person we met. We hope to be back soon!”
Heart of Gold audience members came from Mackay to Sydney and there was a noticeable increase in younger audiences, which is very important for the Festival says General Manager, Brett Houghton.
"It's fantastic to be able to attract younger audiences both behind and in front of the screen as this will ensure longevity. We love that the Festival brings a new cultural activity for the young people in this area and it was very encouraging to see Heart of Gold embraced by schools and teachers, both locally and interestingly enough, interstate as well’.
The 5th Heart of Gold Film Festival screened 200 films from 35 countries, including 84 Australian and 13 world & international premieres screened as part of the program as well as forums, special events and feature film ‘Boy’ over the four day Festival from 17 – 20 March 2011.
Link: www.heartofgold.com.au