"Courage" is the theme for 2009!

The Harmony Film Festival is pleased to announce that its 2009 theme will focus on the notion of courage. Filmmakers from around Australia and the world are invited to submit a short film on the above theme in any genre, with the aim of providing greater understanding of the concept of courage within our society. What is courage? How do we apply it in our lives? and why is audacity required in order to make the world a more peaceful and harmonious place?

We welcome all submissions and ideas that may fit within this topic and look forward to receiving films that are uplifting, thought-provoking and creative.

Courage has been selected the theme for 2009 because of its importance and centrality to building a harmonious society. Intrinsically linked to fortitude, ability to confront fear and standing for what is right, courage will be instrumental in laying the foundations of a peaceful world.

Visit our entries page for all the details

2008 Harmony Film Festival Winners Announced.

A film by a profoundly deaf Sydney filmmaker which explores the notion of a soundless existence has won the top award at the 2008 HIFF. "White Sound" by Sarah Tracton was selected by the jury as the best film receiving the $2500 prize money. "It's a very touching film. I am pleased it won". Said Festival's Artistic Director Mehrzad Mumtahan.

The awards ceremony took place on Saturday October 4th at the UNSW.

The five jurors awarded more than $5000 in prizes and were: Dr. Catherine Simpson, film lecturer (Macquarie University), Dr. Richard Smith, film lecturer (University of Sydney), Dr. Greg Dolgopolov, film lecturer (UNSW), My Le Thi, filmmaker & artist and Faramarz K. Rahber documentary filmmaker and lecturer (Griffith University).

Last year's best film winner Brendon Brown Killen took the second prize of $1500 (Most Original Concept) for his film "Less than Perfect" and Germany's Moritz Mayerhofer received the honourable Achievement Award of $1000 for his animation " The Last Tree".

The runner up for this year was "The Pretty Simple Life of an Angelman" by Rhys Votano whose film received a special mention by the judges.

The 2008 Audience Choice Award went to Dellaram Jamali from Ballarat Victoria for "Channel B Presents" which was voted by the audience as their favourite film.

“In the last few days I have received several emails from hearing-impaired people and their families expressing their happiness and excitement at the news. Sarah’s win proves that hearing-impaired filmmakers can be as good as anyone else and there are no limits for people who are hard of hearing to excel in our society.” Mr Mumtahan added.

Check our gallery to see all the photos of the awards ceremony.