From the Porter Report April 2009 - LIGHTS! CANBERRA! ACTION!

Mary with the winner of the Best Film category, Patrick J Gallagher

“It is good to be able to reward someone for their hard work, and last night was no different,” Mary commented.

“I commend all those who submitted their short films, but I was particularly impressed by the winner of the Best Actor Performance, James Hunter. James first entered Lights! Canberra! Action! when he was 15, so this award was recognition not only for his talent, but for his perseverance,” Mary said.

A panel of four judges selected the top 12 out of the 36 entries which were received. Each film had to be produced in just 10 days, run for a maximum of 7 minutes and feature compulsory items such as Scrivener Dam and an ACT Boarder.

“Patrick J Gallagher was another who was rewarded for his long standing efforts in this competition. He has entered every year for the last six years, but last night was the first time that he took out the Best Film Category,” Mary said.

“It is good to see that a competition such as this provide an avenue for Canberrans to express themselves and further develop their skills,” Mary concluded.