Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

What usually happens with beautiful places is that they attract creative people—musicians, artists and, in this case, filmmakers. Three years ago a group from the Fleurieu Peninsula decided to create an event that would showcase the work of local short filmmakers to a local audience. The inaugural Fleurieu Film Festival had a theme of landscapes. As word got out, organisers had to change the venue twice to accommodate growing ticket sales. The 2017 festival needed a bigger space and again was a sellout. I've been to both festivals and I've been moved and amazed by the talent out there. In February next year I will be back again. This time I will not just be watching; I'll also be sponsoring some of the best work of South Australian and Australian filmmakers. This year's theme is fire. In particular, I'm looking forward to seeing the short-listed entries for the Young Filmmaker award, which is a new category. I commend the organisers of the Fleurieu Film Festival for creating not only an outlet for aspiring cinematographers but an exciting event for my community.