Mud and Saltwater Film Fest sees record number of entries from Kimberley region artists

They say less is more. And that is certainly true of the short films set to light up the screen at the 2023 Mud and Saltwater Short Film Fest. Up to 700 people are set to be enthralled by 25 shorts on Friday, June 2 at the Mangrove Hotel. The one-night-only screening is sure to captivate viewers amid a vibrant atmosphere and overlooking the moonlit Roebuck Bay. The Mud and Saltwater Short Film Fest has received a record number of entries from Kimberley filmmakers. Film Fest director Kandy Curran said the films would celebrate Roebuck Bay, Broome and the Kimberley region. Ms Curran said these areas had high global biodiversity and would resonate ahead of World Environment Day on June 5. “The festival predominantly accepts short films up to five minutes, although will show a limited number of films to 15 minutes,” she said. “The growing skill level of local filmmakers is exciting to see, with outstanding documentaries, animations, music shorts, comedies and drama-narratives. “ Films on show will include the animation short The Killing of the Bilikin Brothers, which is a Bardi language historical film about police reprisals following the spearing of two white pearlers at Cygnet Bay in the 1880s and Out of Sight, Out of Mind, which will showcase the stunning marine life off the coast of the Kimberley. The festival will also feature outstanding music short films such as Burn It Up by Jaime Jackett. Ms Curran said it was great to see six new filmmakers had entered the festival and that their entries were exceptional. “The Kimberley is an extraordinary place, rich in natural, cultural and heritage values, and the people’s love of the region and humour really comes through in the films,” Ms Curran said. Broome storyteller and proud queer Wajarri and Yawuru woman Ngaire Pigram will be a new addition to the judging panel. Ms Curran said she was “starstruck” when Pigram — who starred as Nella in Brendan Fletcher’s 2011 indie drama Mad Bastards — put her hand up to be a judge. Pigram has starred in other notable roles across TV, theatre and film including Sweet As (2022), vampire series Firebite (2022) and season 2 of Mystery Road for which Pigram was nominated for Best Supporting role at the AACTA Awards. The June 2 screening will run from 5.30pm to 9.30pm, with the films rolling from 6.30pm. To purchase tickets visit https://ticketebo.com.au/mudandsaltwater