The State Library of NSW has today announced the launch of its inaugural short film prize Shortstacks, with a total of $20,000 on offer across two categories.
Shortstacks is now open to established, emerging and first-time filmmakers of all ages, but there’s a catch … each short film entered must reference one or more items pre-selected from the State Library’s extraordinary collection.
According to State Librarian Dr John Vallance: “Out of more than six million items in the Library’s collection – drawings, photographs, manuscripts, books, maps and other objects – we’ve chosen six that are sure to ignite visual creativity.”
“Shortstacks provides a really unusual opportunity for filmmakers, including those just starting out, to say something new and interesting using the Library’s collection, and reach a wide audience,” Dr Vallance said.
There are two prize categories:
- $15,000 General Prize: open to filmmakers 18 years and over at the time of entries closing
- $5,000 Youth Prize: open to filmmakers 17 years and younger at the time of entries closing
“As Australians, we need to tell our own stories,” said Margaret Pomeranz, Shortstacks judge and celebrated Australian film critic writer, producer and TV personality. “What better place to go for inspiration than the State Library of NSW which holds so many of our most memorable stories, and those still to be brought to life.” View video of Margaret Pomeranz.
Entries close 5pm, Monday 29 April 2019. For more information and entry forms, visit the State Library of NSW’s website www.sl.nsw.gov.au/awards
Film, Video & Virtual reality 