Press release from AUM
The town’s much loved Heart of Gold International Film Festival closed the 2010 year with a very positive outcome. Under the newly appointed Artistic Director, Malcolm Blaylock, new management and a dedicated team of local volunteers and sponsors, the 4th Heart of Gold festival attracted over 4000 filmgoers to Gympie – a 30% increase on audience numbers, marking this year, the biggest yet.
Heart of Gold 2010 was launched with a near-sell out Opening Night party heralding the start of a fun-filled, four days in Gympie. Visiting filmmakers arrived from overseas and Australia, as the town became host to a wide range of people all involved in the making and enjoyment of film.
Amongst the most popular sessions were the Irish and Comedy programs which quickly sold out along with all 4 family sessions – hailing the Heart of Gold International Film Festival a must-do for everyone to enjoy !
Attending the festival, and there in person to accept the Screeners Award for Most Inspiring Film, was upcoming filmmaker Genevieve Clay, who’s uplifting film “Be My Brother” was a crowd favourite. Genevieve’s involvement in the Heart of Gold Festival and her enjoyment of her Gympie homestay, epitomised the extraordinary response from all who attended:
“After seeing the (Heart of Gold) festival on Australian Story four years ago, it had been my ambition to make a film for it – this was before I'd ever picked up a camera! I just knew it was the type of festival that I wanted to support and be a part of. Upon arriving – I'd never felt so taken care of and welcomed before. My partner and I were overwhelmed by the amount of volunteers and their incredible kindness towards us…We also loved how the entire town of Gympie supported the festival and got behind it, it was a beautiful image of community and showed the town's morale. It was a wonderful thing to be a part of! Not only this but the festival content was incredible. I believe that film is an extremely powerful medium, and this festival gives us the opportunity to be uplifted, inspired and brought closer to humanity through film, and films that are dedicated to positive and uplifting themes. It's an important and beautiful festival that I can't wait to attend again!" – Genevieve Clay, Director of Be My Brother (Screener's Award for Most Inspiring Film 2010)