NSW: Upcoming filmmakers share Tropfest stage with fallen star

AAP General News (Australia)
02-18-2008
NSW: Upcoming filmmakers share Tropfest stage with fallen star

Upcoming filmmakers at this year's Tropfest short film festival have shared a Sydney
stage with a tribute for young Australian star HEATH LEDGER.

Thousands gathered in Sydney's Domain last night for the screening of the festival's
16 finalists.

But before the presentation of awards .. there was a two-minute video tribute to LEDGER
.. who was found dead in his Manhattan apartment last month.



Thirty-four-year-old expectant mother MICHELLE LEHMAN'S entry Marry Me took out the
top prize at the 16th annual Tropfest .. billed as the world's largest short film festival.

In accepting her award from Australian actor GEOFFREY RUSH .. LEHMAN announced she
hoped the win wouldn't send her into labour.

Marry Me .. described as a little love story .. was inspired by her childhood memory
of chasing a boy around a schoolyard.

LEHMAN'S win includes a film scholarship trip to the United States .. with a program
of meetings with industry agents and executives.



In other Tropfest awards .. MARK CONSTABLE'S entry Uncle Jonny took second place ..

while Great White Hunters .. directed by GARY DOUST was third.

And 16-year-old GUY VERGE WALLACE has won the inaugural Trop Jr award with his creation
Poor Joshua Verde .. filmed last year when he was 15.

The film is about a boy with a tragic childhood .. who goes on an enchanting adventure
that helps him reconnect with his family and use his creative talent.

AAP RTV ad/psm/

KEYWORD: TROPFEST (SYDNEY)

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.