Controversial Love Story 'Bamboozled' Wins 22nd Tropfest

Bamboozled, a controversial comedic love story, has taken out first prize at 2013’s second instalment of the world’s largest short film festival, Tropfest. The winning films, which you can watch below, were announced at the festival’s new home of Centennial Park in Sydney at an event offering fans of film and arts a raft of entertainment and the chance to see some of Australia’s up-and-coming filmmakers.

Directed by Matt Hardie, also a winner of the 2012 Tropfest DLSR Award, Bamboozled tells the story of Pete (Hardie), who is stopped in the street by an apparent stranger, Harry (Aaron Sindos). Harry soon reveals himself to be Helen, Pete’s ex-girlfriend, and the two reconnect in unexpected ways.

Bamboozled explores ‘change’, the Tropfest Signature Item linking this year’s finalists, who explored themes of “love, sexuality, loss and relationships,” as well as stories of war, death, and immigration. Genres ranged from animation and thrillers to dramas and documentaries.

In addition to the massive international and industry exposure, the team behind Bamboozled take home a new Toyota Corolla Levin ZR, a Nikon D800 DSLR and $2,000 worth of Nikon lenses, $10,000 courtesy of Kennedy Miller Mitchell, and a trip to Los Angeles to meet with top industry executives.

Makeover by Don Percy won second place, a clear crowd favourite also telling the story of finding love in unexpected places. Third prize went to Tom Abood’s Honi Soit Oui Mal Y Pense, a war story told through the eyes of a soldier.

Best female actor went to actor director Kaiya Jones for her role in Coping, and Hardie and Tsindos shared the award for Best Male Actor. Claude Gonzales won the Nikon DSLR Film Category with his film Ariel, and Martin Sharpe was the recipient of the Qantas Film Cadetship for Still life.

Readers can view all winners below as well as the full list of nominees, and visit the official Tropfest website for more details

The main event kicked off as the sun goes down, but was preceded by the seventh instalment of the now annual Trop Jr, “the world’s largest short film festival – for kids, by kids.” This extraordinary festival-within-a-festival screens 16 films from filmmakers aged 15-years and younger, based on their own signature item: ‘Monster.’

Entertainment included performances from an eclectic lineup of local and international artists, including Lenka, Ngaiire, Jinja Safari, Busby Marou, Illy, and Australian pop royalty Tina Arena, performing songs from her new album, Reset, and others.

“We encourage everyone to join us as we bring Tropfest to a new home in Sydney,” said Managing Director of Tropfest, Michael Laverty earlier, adding, “What better way to launch Sydney’s summer event calendar than with an outdoor celebration of great stories and talented filmmakers?”

Watch: Tropfest 2013 Winners

1st Prize, Best Male Actor: Bamboozled
Finalist: Matt Hardie
Location: Redfern, NSW

http://youtu.be/0ErcDhI5WJU

2nd Prize: Makeover
Finalist: Don Percy
Location: Highett, VIC