Competition could be a turning point for filmmaker

Bunbury Catholic College student Alex Szabadics will be among the students in the spotlight after being named as a finalist in CinefestOZ’s short film competition Cinesnaps.

The 17-year-old is in the running for the top prize alongside Manea Senior College students Daniel Geary and Jed Cowper, both 17, when it is announced during the festival on August 24-28.

It is the first time a Bunbury Catholic College student has been named as a finalist for the award and Alex will compete against students from Cape Naturaliste College and Georgiana Molloy Anglican School.

This year’s Cinesnaps judging panel includes actor and director Myles Pollard, actress Emma Booth, director Belinda Mason and writer, director and producer Michael Bond.

Alex said he was inspired by the decisions he would have to make following his graduation from high school for his filmTurning Point, which starred fellow Bunbury Catholic College students Patrick Golemo and Rosie Lockhart, both 17.

“The story is about a man who is running away after being cheated on by his wife and he has to make a decision about whether he turns left, right or goes back to his wife,” he said.

‘I watched a lot of films and took inspiration from them, in particular the movieDrive was a big inspiration.”

Alex said he was pleased with how the film turned out but he was surprised to find out he was a finalist.

Bunbury Catholic College media teacher Carolynne Yates said she was proud of Alex’s achievement.