By ROSI DOVIVERATA
The inaugural Island in the World of Oceania International Film Festival ended on Saturday at the University of the South Pacific, Japan ICT Centre.
Festival Director Larry Thomas said the week-long festival was a successful one.
“It has been successful simply for the fact that we have carried it off and people have come to watch,” said Mr Thomas.
Plans are already in place for next year. This is to include other activities during the week-long celebration.
“I hope for next year to have a training programme before the festival begins,” he said.
“We can bring in film makers and directors to share their experience and knowledge with other budding producers.”
Mr Thomas is also hopeful of running a cultural and artistic activity to coincide with next year’s festival. He said that at the moment, they are simply trying to create a credible reputation in the region.
“We are progressing slowly from strength to strength.
“We want this film festival to be an outlet that film-makers want to bring their films to.”
Film Fiji Acting Chief Executive Officer, Florence Swamy said the festival has opened opportunities for networking in the region.
“It’s an excellent platform to highlight issues affecting people in the Pacific and also gain an understanding of what other countries are doing to promote film making.”
The festival brought to light a range of feature and documentary films. A number of short films were also given prominence.
“We have been really lucky that the film makers who have agreed to show their films here have been very gracious and have not asked for any royalty payments.
“They are just happy to be here as Fiji is like paradise to them,” Mr Thomas said.