'The Way Sam Sees It' wins 'Best Use of Item' at Lights! Canberra! Action! 2023

Last night, my latest short, 'The Way Sam Sees It' picked up 'The Best Use of Item' at Lights! Canberra! Action! screening held at the Rose Gardens of Old Parliament House!

'The Way Sam Sees It' is a psuedo-documentary that highlights Sam's interest and curiosity for his photography as he goes on a mission to photograph a rainbow. The award was for the big reveal moment in the film's climax where we realise that Sam sees the world a little bit differently through his lens, and we all just need to take few steps back to see it the same way. This is embodied by a collage of his photography artwork formed in the shape of a rainbow!

Sam was overjoyed and ecstatic the moment the award was announced at the screening and joined me on stage to accept the award.

The film was beautifully shot by Doug Hall, a very experienced photographer himself, and currently a mature aged (but like a fine wine!) 2nd Year Film Student at AIE Film School along with Murray Farrell, another talented local filmmaker. Without them, I don't think we would have pulled of this film in the way we did, in just the 10 days we had for the filmmaking competition. So I am immensely grateful to them!

Thanks also to Award Sponsor Burley & Brave Canberra!

Lights! Canberra! Action! is an Annual high-energy short film festival that serves as a cornerstone of the annual Enlighten Festival in Canberra. The event challenges local filmmakers—from enthusiasts to professionals—to write, shoot, and edit a seven-minute film in just 10 days. To ensure entries are truly "Canberran," each film must incorporate a specific set of 10 items or locations from around the city, which are only revealed at the start of the competition. The festival culminates in a free, open-air screening of the top 12 finalist films held under the stars at the Senate Rose Garden, providing a platform for local talent to showcase their work to a large, supportive audience.