After being recognised as a top sixteen finalist in its 21st iteration, Sydney filmmaker Matt Hardie has taken out Tropfest 2013 – its 22nd – with his comedic short film “Bamboozled”. Reflecting the logistical changes of Australia’s most iconic short film festival – held forevermore in December instead of February and Centennial Park instead of The Domain – this year’s signature item was “change”, addressed quite bluntly in the Redfern-based filmmaker’s winning short film thanks to an amusing story of a man who reconnects with a former girlfriend who is now a man. Or is she?
The filmmaker’s first prize winnings include $10,000 in cash, a new Toyota car, a trip to LA for networking purposes, and a Nikon DSLR with lenses. He also received the Best Male Actor award in conjunction with co-star Aaron Tsindos.
This year’s six person Tropfest judging panel and enabler of dreams included Red Dog filmmaker Kriv Stenders, Legally Blonde director Robert Luketicactor, AFI winning Aussie actress Susie Porter, producer Bruna Papandrea, Blue Tongue Films actor, filmmaker and stuntman Nash Edgerton and Oscar winning Harvie Krumpet creator, Adam Elliot.
Notable cameos included hirsute Manly Sea Eagle winger David “Wolfman” Williams playing a werewolf and actor Alan Fletcher, Neighbours’ Dr. Karl Kennedy, playing a refugee smuggler. Organiser John Polson also took the opportunity to announce next year’s TSI – Tropfest signature item – as mirror.
Watch the winning short film below.
Tropfest Winner
Bamboozled by Matt Hardie
Second Place
Makeover by Don Percy
Third Place
Honi Suot Qui Mal Y Pense by Tom Abood
Best Female Actor
Kaiya Jones in Coping
Best Male Actor
Matt Hardie and Aaron Tsindos in Bamboozled
Nikon DSLR Film Award
Claude Gonzalez for Ariel
Qantas Film Cadetship
Martin Sharpe for Still Life
