Media Release

Short Film Competition with “craft beer” as focus launches

A short film competition with ‘craft beer’ as its focus launches at Carriageworks in Sydney on 31 July 2014.

Hop Flicks is a new short film competition and will be part of the inaugural Sip & Savour – craft beer event set to take place from 25-26 October 2014.

The competition is open to filmmakers across Australia and is the brainchild of Australian Beer Ambassadors in partnership with Sydney Film School and FilmInk.

“Create a short film under five minutes long themed on the topic of ‘craft beer’. – that’s the challenge we’re offering,” said Kieran Blood, Director Australian Beer Ambassador and Co-Director of Sip and Savour.

“Craft brewing is an artisanal trade and an industry that embraces social media, film and the arts with many breweries utilising film as a means of promotion and brand awareness. It seems appropriate to incorporate a short film competition within an event that celebrates everything craft beer and have it at the iconic arts hub Carriageworks, said Mr Blood.

All genres of film, including animation and experimental are welcome with industry judging organised by the globally renowned Sydney Film School and leading Australian movie magazine, FilmInk.

Ben Ferris, Artistic Director of Sydney Film School said “we are pleased to support the inaugural Hop Flicks short film competition and look forward to contributing to this unique brew of quality short films, paired with exceptionally crafted beer. This rare combination should bring out the best in both,’ he said.

The winning film will be the one judged to have best captured the very essence of craft beer and its meaning to the filmmaker. Entries will be screened throughout the Sip and Savour event with viewers invited to judge a ‘People’s Choice’ award to be announced on the Sunday.

FilmInk’s Litia Kirwin said they are really excited to be part of the collaboration bringing Hop Flicks to life this year. “As an independent publication we’re always looking to support local filmmakers and believe this competition will provide an additional opportunity in a fun environment that will celebrate the craftsmanship behind filmmaking and craft beer,’ she said.

The Sip & Savour festival and the screening of the Hop Flicks finalists will take place at Carriageworks, Eveleigh in Sydney.

The closing date for short film submissions is 10 October 2014. Information on how to enter the competition can be found on the festival website at www.sipsavour.com.au.