Luke Graham. Photo by Chrissy Harris Photography.

France has Cannes, New York has Tribeca, Sydney has Tropfest and now it’s Central Queensland’s turn with the recent announcement of The Capricorn Film Festival.

This exciting new film festival, proudly representing the Central Queensland region, will celebrate its inaugural year on September 19 when it launches at the Gladstone Marina, where it hopes to showcase filmmaking talent from the region and the world.

Local filmmakers of all ages are being asked to make short films and enter the festival.

Luke Graham, producer of upcoming feature film Broke – filmed in Gladstone and Rockhampton – has created the event due to the enthusiasm shown by locals to filmmaking.

“Everyone from the region, the people we met and people who helped out on the production, all had such a great time, and we even altered a few career paths.” Graham told Cinema Australia. “We have been working hard behind the scenes to create an inspiring and educational curriculum, where participants learn hands on how to turn their idea in a short film”

The film festival includes exclusive filmmaking workshops for each of Gladstone’s High Schools with two free community workshops to be held in late June and July.

“We aim to be the premiere film festival in Queensland within the next five years, with an event that will bring film enthusiasts in droves to our shores”. Graham said.

There are great prize up for grabs for those who enter the festival including $2000 for the Best Film, video equipment for the Best High School Film and a nationally accredited acting or film institution short course for the CQ Raising Talent category. Each of the winners will be announced on the night, with film industry personnel judging the best in each category.

For more information on the workshops, the festival or to enter your short film visit www.capricornfilmfestival.com