Heart of Gold film fest launches

Heart of Gold artistic director Malcolm Blaylock launched the program last night for the 2010 Heart of Gold International Film Festival.

Craig Warhurst

THERE’S a feast of flicks heading this way and last night saw tastebuds tantalised at the Heart of Gold program launch and sneak preview at the Gympie Civic Centre.

It was the first time many die-hard Heart of Gold supporters had a chance to meet new Artistic Director Malcolm Blaylock, who brings a wealth of experience to the role.

The launch saw a full house of film buffs ready for the event which runs from March 11 to 14, and boasts an always outstanding array of screen gems across all genres, including documentaries and student films.

Among them is Australian actor Bud Tingwell’s last film titled The Last Bottle, and Chicken of God starting the very funny Aussie treasure, Frank Woodley.

Malcolm Blaylock is a regular visitor to the world’s best film festivals and has returned recently from Clerment Ferrand in France.

Blaylock believes that the Heart of Gold Film Festival appeals to the new breed of filmmakers because of its unique, positive point of view.

While he said there was always a resonating and positive aspect to the Heart of Gold films, often the story line delved into darker corners of the human condition.

“People would get sick of films that were all positive… filmmakers dig deep, explore people’s spirit and life goes on and there is a positive outcome that resonates with people.”

The festival will show 171 films from some 21 countries around the world, Mr Blaylock said.

And Queensland filmmakers will be showcased with the award-winning Glenn Owen Dodds (GOD) which features Aussie actor David Wenham.

Closer to home are three must-see films with a Gympie connection.

The Gympie Pyramid Story is a documentary that explores the fact and fiction about an old structure that was found in local bushland.

Eugene the Storyteller gives an insight into the world of bush medicine as told by a local indigenous elder, and Somewhere Near Tapachula is a touching documentary about a mission in Mexico run by a Gympie region couple who introduce disadvantaged children to the joy of surfing.

There is also a range of workshops and forums.

For more information go to www.heartofgold.com.au or phone 07 5483 7000.