Young people across Lithgow have the chance to turn a spooky idea into a short film, as the 4th annual Lithgow Halloween Smartphone Horror Film Festival brings international talent and local creativity together.
Part of the broader Lithgow Halloween event, the festival has already attracted nearly 300 submissions from 15 countries. Organisers say the standard is exceptionally high, promising an impressive selection for the October screening.
But alongside its international reach, the festival has an important local ambition: supporting filmmaking as an emerging creative practice in Lithgow.
“We have talented local filmmakers, storytellers, performers and young people with ideas to share,” festival spokesperson Karen Purser said.
“We hope the festival and workshop will help develop their skills, build their confidence and create more opportunities for filmmaking to grow in our region.”
A free workshop at Lithgow High School on Saturday 12 September will give young people aged 12 to 24 practical help to get started.
Running from 10am to 4pm, the workshop will be led by three experienced local filmmakers, including a previous winner of the Lithgow Smartphone Halloween Film Competition.
Participants will explore storytelling, filming and post-production, with encouragement to bring their phone and a film idea. Transport can be arranged from Portland or Wallerawang if required.
“The workshop is a valuable opportunity for young people to learn directly from experienced local filmmakers and discover that they don’t need expensive cameras or equipment to tell a compelling story,” Ms Purser said.
The workshop also offers a chance to connect with other young creatives and experienced practitioners, helping strengthen the local networks that can support future filmmaking projects.
Entries remain open until 15 October for Halloween-themed smartphone films of up to 10 minutes.
Excellent cash prizes are available for Most Creative, Best Performance, Best Youth Film, Best Local Film, Best Local Youth Film and People’s Choice, giving local talent opportunities for recognition alongside international entrants.
Shortlisted films will feature at the family-friendly Fright Night Film Screening and Awards Night on Friday 30 October, at 7pm at Lithgow Valley Cinema, 16 Main Street.
Live music by the Spice Ghouls, spooky snacks and refreshments, prize presentations and Halloween dress-ups will add to the celebrations.
Support from Lithgow City Council, FilmFreeway, SF Films and the Lithgow Valley Film Society means film entry, the workshop and admission to Fright Night are all free.
“Keeping the festival free is very important to us,” Ms Purser said. “It means that cost is not a barrier to creating a film, learning new skills or coming along to enjoy the shortlisted films on the big screen.”
Fright Night bookings are essential. For aspiring local filmmakers, the invitation is simple: bring your phone, share your ideas and give filmmaking a go.
