Event: Australia

St Kilda Film Festival

When:	6 - 11 May 2008 (annual)
Where:	St Kilda
Opening Hours:	Various

St Kilda - a vibrant area on Port Phillip Bay, south of Melbourne - hosts Australia's longest-running festival of short films, which then goes on tour for a couple of months. In 2008, the event celebrates its 25th anniversary.

The varied line-up includes a number of filmmaking forums and presentations, as well as an ever-expanding focus for industry professionals. There's also an emphasis on live performance and new technology fusions.

With major prize money up for grabs (upwards of A$30,000 across all categories), there's no shortage of competitors. In recent years annual entries have been near the 500 mark, from which some 160 are shown in competition. Since 2002 there has also been an emphasis on music video - soundKILDA - which has now become an integral part fo the overall festival. The deadline for entries in both competitions is the last Friday of January.

The opening night gala is held at the imposing Palais Theatre in Melbourne. The Industry Market Day is usually on the penultimate day and the wrap party is at the Powerhouse Function Centre.

Please visit the festival's website for full programme details.