Friendships formed at Curtin University of Technology have resulted in two WA films Water and My Uncle Bluey being screened at the 56th Sydney Film Festival.
The creative Curtin graduates ─ Corrie Jones, Sarah Shaw, Andrew McLeod, Britt Arthur, and James Grandison — all met while studying film and TV at Curtin in the late 1990s.
Water was directed and co-written by Mr Jones, 32, of Inglewood and produced by Ms Shaw, 26, of Ardross while Mr McLeod, 32, of Applecross was the cinematographer.
Filmed on location in Gracetown, Water follows eight-year-old Toby (Adam Lowrie) as he grapples with the responsibility of caring for his mentally disabled father (Adam Booth).
Mr Jones said they were excited about screening their films at the awards.
“This is a great break for all of us,” Mr Jones said.
My Uncle Bluey was directed by Ms Arthur, 32, of Perth and produced by Mr Grandison, 28, formerly of West Leederville.
Described as a short documentary, My Uncle Bluey, tells the story of award winning Ms Arthur’s journey to discover the story of her estranged Uncle Robert.
“It’s a personal story about the things that tear families apart, what brings them back together, and how your family is always your family,” Ms Arthur said.
“We shot the film in various locations around WA, including Onslow, Baandee, Merredin, Rockingham and Perth.”
Ms Arthur is currently tutoring in documentary production at Curtin.
Mr Grandison reminisced about studying at Curtin and said the main thing was meeting his colleagues.
“We created a strong, supportive network of talented people,” Mr Grandison said.
“Between the five of us, we have skills in writing, directing, producing and cinematography. For example, I was also first assistant director on Corrie’s film Water.
“I remember we were all in the same class under film and TV lecturer Ken Miller whose methods of teaching and motivation fuelled our ambitious streaks. Mr Miller made us believe in ourselves and pushed us to become quality filmmakers and we thank him sincerely as he helped us to get where we are today.”
