Lights, camera, action – filmmakers and cinephiles alike are invited to Logan’s first film festival.
More than 120 filmmakers from across the country have submitted films to the inaugural Underdog Film Fest.
Among the entrants were submissions from several local filmmakers, including Abdul Mateen, Elise Lamb, Anthony Coleman, Hugh Whitehouse and Darryl Cook.
Abdul Mateen is a filmmaker born in the Middle East to south Asian parents.
He uses film to explore “untold perspectives” and illuminate the first-generation immigrant and diasporic experience.
His submission, Welcome to the Esh Life was filmed and set in Logan.
It follows Rayan, a sixteen-year-old south Asian boy, who has a chance encounter with a group of Eshays, leading to an unlikely companionship that teaches him a new way of life and its consequences.
“We’re thrilled at the quality of local entries,” said Underdog Film Fest committee member, Louise Wheatley.
“This is what the festival is all about – being able to provide a platform to recognise and showcase these stories at industry scale.”
Two Logan high school students have also thrown their hat in the ring.
Canterbury College student Riley Burton has a strong passion for filmmaking, but he is also a competitive swimmer.
His submission to the Underdog festival, a documentary called Stroke By Stroke – A Journey Through the Swimming Life, explores the choices and the work required to become an elite athlete.
“Through the lens of my film, I aim to capture the physical and mental challenges faced by athletes in their quest for victory, revealing the profound human spirit that drives us forward against all odds,” Mr Burton said.
Marsden State High School student Xavier Stephen Eliot submitted Leaves – a coming-of-age film exploring themes of identity and culture.
In total, 125 submissions from entrants Australia-wide were accepted by the Underdog team.
Each film will be assessed by a panel of professional, diverse, and award-winning filmmakers, including Douglas Watkin, Mandy Lake, Katrina Irawati and Logan local Lark Lee.
Ms Lee is a Korean migrant mum, writer, director, producer and actress whose stories about migrants and mothers have been screened at multiple Academy Award-qualifying festivals and SBS on Demand.
Festival finalists are set to be announced on 1 September.
The festival itself, as well as the afterparty, will be held at the Kingston Butter Factory on 21 September.
Tickets can be purchased here: bit.ly/underdog-film-fest.
