Student filmmakers and producers from the Griffith Film School have touched down in France this week to take part in the market place of the Cannes Film Festival, starting today.

The 10 short films will be screened in the Cannes Court Metrage; an initiative within the festival designed to encourage emerging talent.

Griffith Film School’s Head of School, Professor Herman Van Eyken says the visit will give the students an unrivalled opportunity to engage with leading industry professionals.

“Having work screened and recognised on the world stage will be a wonderful learning experience and one that will stay with the students for many years to come.”

“Being surrounded by hundreds of the world’s best producers and directors will allow our up-and-coming filmmakers to gain a real insight into the industry, as they network with peers from across the globe.

“With many of our student films fast gaining recognition at festivals and competitions worldwide, it is only fitting that this selection of short films now be showcased among the best of the best,” he said.

The selected films range from an environmental animation set in a lifeless world with Relentless Drag; historical exploration of Australia with 1848; to coming-of-age films in Douglas Adams Eat Your Heart Out and Hummingbirds.

The Griffith Film School films showcasing this year are:

Relentless Drag (Animation): Directed by Troy Duguid and produced by Liana Beukes

1848 (Film): Directed by Simon Taylor and produced by Ashleigh Doss

Douglas Adams Eat Your Heart Out (Film): Directed by David Ridley and produced by Cieron Cody

Instructions Inside (Film): Directed by Jazz Meyer and produced by Martin Ingle

The Wedding (Animation): Directed by Simon Cottee and produced by Simon Cottee

Uncanny Valley (Film): Directed by Dean Law and produced by Brenton Pinsent

Hummingbirds (Film): Directed by Hayley MacFarlane and produced by James Woods

Fireworks of 1989 __(Film): Directed by Francis Chan and produced by Michael Jones

Secrets (Film): Directed by Otto Wang and produced by Jade Hassett and Gemma Hassett

The Tale of the Mischievous Fudge Thief (Film): Directed by Elise Kowitz and produced by Peter Cunningham

Follow the students on the Griffith Film School Facebook page as they blog about their experiences at the festival: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=welcome#!/Griffith.Film.School

Media Contact: Lauren Suto, 0418 799 544