Our first year in action saw the harmony film festival spread its wings and attract an audience of some 700 people to a Sydney venue
View details of: Finalists | Winners | Photos
The Finalists
A short synopsis of the 14 finalist films from 28 total entries, to the 2004 festival. Theme: "Harmony".
(in no particular order)
Wayfarer: The Story of Three Princes
By Shervin Family, Gatton Australia (10 minutes)
Wayfarer is the story of three Persian princes who as brothers never got along and it was only after putting their skills and minds together that they could find harmony amongst themselves.
The story’s message is that to achieve something true you must unite and work together. The product of a united effort is greater than the sum of the individual contributions.
Harmony with Business, Art, Service
By Gil Muro, NY, USA (10 minutes)
The life of Mildred Mottahedeh, (1908-2000), the first Baha’i representative to the United Nations, a world renown collector of antiques, sponsor of several social and economic development projects, founder of Mottahedeh & Company, is an example as to how to establish harmony between business, art and service to humanity.
Creating Unity in Diversity
By Pascal Frouin, The Blue Mountains Australia (6 minutes)
In 2003 a National Curriculum Development Forum for the elimination of racism and promotion of cultural harmony was held in Sydney.
The forum brought together professionals, academics, government representatives and community groups from all over Australia to consult upon this important issue. The program was followed by a multicultural concert.
The HC. The ”Harmony County
By Ashkan Mostaghim and Ladan Wise, Melbourne Australia (6 minutes)
The HC is a social commentary on the notion of a “created” or “false” harmony where we feel happy and secure by ignoring or shutting out the realities or by-products of our society.
Obscure Immersion
By Shideh Faramand, Toowoomba Australia (5 minutes)
This film follows the journey of one girl’s dream/nightmare. Drenched within the stronghold of the media’s perception of the world, it is so easy to get fixated by the fear and abhorrent situation of humanity, however take a closer look within your soul and the beauty around you.
This film poses the question – which reality are you dreaming? I decided to explore the notion of harmony within one’s self, by magnifying the environments to which we are self imprisoned. We ultimately have the choice to flick on the television and be engrossed by senseless images or choose to ‘flick the switch’ within ourselves and engage with a true reality of who and what we are. To me it is there that true harmony is found.
The Unity Dance
By K Azadegan, Adelaide Australia (10 minutes)
A presentation by the “FLU” dance group and contains various performances based on individualism, pride and conflict and how eventually the concept of unity and harmony prevails.
Vignettes 12
By the Ballarat Baha’i Community, Australia (10 minutes)
The film looks at 12 funny incidents in the life of 12 members of Ballarat community and how life has its little moments and how everyone should try to get along and live in harmony.
Truth
By Massoud Varjavandi, Sydney Australia (7 minutes)
Truth is about a struggle of a man to find peace within himself through the turmoil of his life; from the persecution of his family and himself as a Baha’i child in Iran, to a life he did not choose in Australia as an adult.
Harmony
By Parviz Gouniai, Sydney Australia (9 minutes)
A series of interviews with various people and their views on the concept of harmony.
Sweet Differences
By Farnaz Fanaian, Wollongong Australia (8 minutes)
Sweet Differences tells the story of a Spanish boy growing up in Australia, who struggles between his family’s traditions and the values and lifestyle of his peers. His relationship with an Australian girl is initially a source of conflict, but by the end of the film it is the girlfriend who becomes a bridge between the son and his mother.
Making Sense
By Olivia Spiers and Salli-Jane Campbell, Adelaide Australia (6 minutes)
Making Sense is a contemporary tale of people reaching beyond themselves to bridge divides. Bret and Skye must learn to see beyond their differences before they can appreciate the harmony in their suburban surroundings.
Violence = Harmony?
By Anis Khoshmashrab, Melbourne Australia (5 minutes)
This film looks at powerful images from war and chaos in the world and the peace and harmony within the Baha’i Community, which has resulted from the teachings of the founder of the Baha’i Faith Baha’u’llah.
A Prayer for Mankind
By Newell from Nashville, Tennessee USA (5 minutes)
A Prayer for Mankind and looks at the role of spiritual education of the children and its relationship with peace and harmony in the world.
Reunion Was Here
By Gknabo, Toowoomba, Australia (6 minutes)
A part film part musical video this production celebrates various historic and religious figures, themes and stories about the concept of harmony.
The Winners
The 2004 winners were:
The Effie Baker Award for Best Film:
"Sweet Differences", Farnaz Fanaian, Wollongong, NSW
The Sirus Naraqi Award for Most Original Concept:
"Truth", Masoud Varjavandi, Sydney, NSW
The Manutschehr Gabriel Award for Achievement:
"Wayfarer - The story of three princes" Shervin and Shiva Family/Rowan Brown/Wilson Bambrick, Gatton, QLD
Runner-Up
"Making Sense" Olivia Spiers/Salli - Jane Campbell, Adelaide, SA
The Night
Read a report of the evening here, or view photos by clicking a thumbnail below:
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Photos by Keith Bain
