Film Festival Tells Vets Stories

A year 12 student’s short film inspired by his grandfather’s stories of WWII is just one of many feature-length and short films screening at the Australian War Memorial in October as part of this year’s Veterans’ Film Festival.

The festival brings together films about the stories, experiences and insights of people in, or impacted by, military service.  According to organisers the mix of films will provide something for all tastes, from comedy to drama; animation and science fiction; and thought-provoking documentaries and art-house short films.

Established and up-and-coming filmmakers from Australia, Canada, Israel, UK, Germany, Serbia, USA, Poland, Italy, Iran and Austria will all be vying for coveted Red Poppy awards and the international recognition such an award provides.

As well as support from the National Returned Services League and the Australian War Memorial, the festival has the backing of the National Australia Bank; Military Shop and the High Commission of Canada. 

Military Shop’s acclaimed military design studio was approached to design a range of awards for the festival that could complement the coveted Red Poppy Award. Managing Director Stephen Davie believes supporting the festival is an extension of the company’s charter to share the history and stories of our veteran community, and to support a better understanding of, and support for, issues impacting veterans from all periods of service.

“This year’s festival offers a pretty broad lineup of films and topics but they share a thread, and that is the impact of military service on life,” Mr Davie said.  “I think too few people have an understanding of just what it means to serve.  Hopefully, people will enjoy some amazing films, in an amazing venue, and perhaps they will see things a little differently.”

Films will screen at the AWM from 13-15 October. For a complete list of films and ticket information go to www.veteransfilmfestival.com