An estimated 500 people flocked to the Adelaide Hills’ town of Gumeracha to enjoy an inspiring program of live music, interactive workshops and entertainment at Relationships Australia SA’s Elevate Festival on the 27 February, 2016.
The festival theme of “elevating” our relationships, with partners, family, community, the environment and ourselves, was celebrated in glorious February sunshine amongst the stunning gum trees of Federation Park.
Visitors browsed local wares and relaxed to chilled music by folksy duo The Wandering Minstrels and Hills-based roots band Conchillia. The much-loved Heathfield High Renegades drumming group officially opened the festival with a rousing performance, while Canadian reggae headliners Tasman Jude closed the event beneath the stars.
Popular ABC TV gardening presenter Sophie Thomson’s workshop “Saving the World with Gardening” was a big hit, as was Hills’ gardening personality Karen Montgomery’s “Making Wicking Beds” Workshop.
Other highlights of the day included the announcement of Sophie as a South Australian Neighbour Day ambassador, the incredibly popular and energetic Bubble Soccer, provided by Hills Connected Communities, and the launch of the Elevate Film Competition.
To view photos from the Elevate Festival click here.
The Elevate Film Competition Screening
In the weeks that followed the launch of the Elevate Film Competition at Elevate Festival, participants eager to create offerings for the competition attended workshops in Claymation and live-action filmmaking. The workshops were run by Hills Connected Communities, and hosted by GooRoo Animation and Ink Pot Arts.
A total of 20 films were entered into the competition. All films were based around the theme of “Our Neighbours”. After an intense judging process the final screening and awards presentation was held in the quirky and welcoming space of the Mount Barker Town Hall.
The addition of an old-style popcorn making cart, ably staffed by Counsellor Ron Ellis, added a special charm to the day, and the newly upgraded media facilities made viewing the films a visual treat.
And the winners were:
- Best Film: Dumb Neighbours (Director Daniel Barratt)
- Runner Up (Primary School division): The Last Straw (Matilda Cotton and Matilda Stott)
- Runner Up (High School division): It’s all about the ball (Chris Amato and Ethan Meijer)
- Audience choice: Neighbourhood Lost (Director Clorine Jackson)
- Best Claymation: Welcome Neighbour (Leo McDonald)
