Australia Stills
4 frames
Winner
Best Cinematography
Winner
Best Film Editing
Winner
Best Sound
Winner
Best Visual Effects
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Credits
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Synopsis
Australian Academy Cinema Television & Arts (AACTA) WINNER for Best Short Film
When a young girl discovers a mysterious antique mirror in the basement of her ailing grandmother’s house, she accidentally opens a window between time that allows her to cross over into war-torn Nazi-occupied Poland.
With wonderful performances from two remarkable newcomers - Ingrid Torelli (Suzi) and Amelia Westlake (Young Hilda).
Director's Statement
This film has been over five years in the making. It was inspired by my grandparents, both of whom were survivors of the Holocoust and through the process of writing this script, and trying to tell a story that connected to their experience, became a bit of a cinematic letter to them. I’d also never met my Grandmother, as she passed away quite young. Perhaps that sense of mystery - of understanding who she was, found its way into the crux of this film and is why one of the main characters at the centre of the films mystery is named Hilda, after my grandmother. The Mirror explores themes around tolerance and anti semitism, understanding your heritage, and the importance of new generations learning from the past. It’s a film that may look back in time, but unfortunately a lot of the issues it delves into are still very relevant in today’s climate, and is the reason why we felt this film was important to make. Furthermore, it touches on the idea that when we’re younger, we really don’t know how to hate. That’s something we are taught and develop as we get older, and we see that purity - that childhood experience of another person where it’s not important if they’re another colour or religion, as something celebrating. Thank you for considering the project. We hope you enjoy watching The Mirror as much as we enjoyed making it.
From the Judges
From the Judges
Cinematography and direction give this short a polished, aesthetic beauty, its imagery and sound carrying real weight. Tender in its blend of fantasy and history, the film unfolds through a well-crafted story, warm performances, and writing that resonates.
Director's Biography
Joel Kohn Director
Joel is a writer/director/producer with over 15 years experience. He completed a Masters of Communication degree from RMIT (graduating with honours), and also has extensive industry training, such as a directors attachment with Anthony MInghella on his Civil War film ‘Cold Mountain’. He just spent 6-weeks in Tasmania for a Film Victoria director’s placement with Greg Mclean on the STAN/ABC-Disney series, ‘The Gloaming’. Alongside his directing credits in TV, Joel has made a host of award winning short films that have screened both locally and internationally. His latest short script for The Mirror won the Jewish International Film Festival - short film fund. It was also a finalist in the Screen Craft Film Fund, and the Academy qualifying Holly Shorts Film Festival. In 2017, Joel was selected for the SPA ‘ones to watch program’ and won the emerging producer SBS first-look award. He has his own production outfit, Screen Invaders, and is currently developing a slate of exciting, high-end projects. Joel is also creative director at SHERPA Projects, a leading digital content studio. As part of his role, he has helped to create and direct campaigns for premium brands like Johnnie Walker, Samsonite and Luxury Escapes.
Trailer
Official laurels
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Verified by AFIN Winner · Best Short Film Download laurel Download certificate -
Verified by AFIN Winner · Best Young Artist Download laurel Download certificate -
Verified by AFIN Winner · Best Cinematography Download laurel Download certificate -
Verified by AFIN Winner · Best Film Editing Download laurel Download certificate -
Verified by AFIN Winner · Best Sound Download laurel Download certificate -
Verified by AFIN Winner · Best Visual Effects Download laurel Download certificate -
Verified by AFIN Winner · Best Australian Actor Download laurel Download certificate -
Verified by AFIN Winner · Best Australian Film Download laurel Download certificate
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The Mirror was Winner of Best Short Film, Best Young Artist, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, Best Australian Actor and Best Australian Film at the AFIN International Film Festival 2020, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
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