Runt Dominates WA Screen Culture Awards
Runt, the WA-made Australian film about a girl and her dog who tries to save their farm, has dominated this year’s WA Screen Culture Awards (WASCA) taking home all four of its nominations. The film won in key categories including Innovation in Narrative Feature Film with a budget over $1m and Outstanding Achievement in Writing, Production Design and Original Music. Living up to the saying, “Never underestimate the power of an underdog,” Runt has also impressively surpassed $5.5M at the Australian box office, making it the third highest-grossing locally made film of 2024, after Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Force of Nature: The Dry 2. Meanwhile, the hard-hitting 59-minute documentary Genocide in the Wildflower State, which explores the brutal history of state-run eugenics and racial assimilation in 20th century Western Australia, also took home multiple awards, including Outstanding Achievement in Directing and Performance. The short film Esperance to Fremantle, which follows a troubled teenager on a journey to reconnect with the father he hasn’t seen since infancy, was another major winner, receiving accolades for Innovation in Student Film and Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography.
As is tradition, the WASCAs also celebrated industry excellence with two prestigious Special Industry Awards. The Independent Spirit Award was presented to Matthew Eeles, Editor of Cinema Australia and Founder of the WA Made Film Festival, while the Contribution to Industry Award went to renowned casting director Annie Murtagh-Monks and the Perth Actors Collective. Each winner, representing 21 Award Categories and two Special Industry Awards, was presented with a beautifully crafted trophy made from responsibly sourced WA Blackbutt. Designed by filmmaker and screen industry advocate Ryan Hodgson, in collaboration with Geographik, Squarepeg Home, and Artcom Fabrication, these handmade timber trophies symbolise the fusion of artistry and sustainability.
The winners were selected by an esteemed panel of industry experts, including cinematographer Frank Mobilio, creative director Ken Leung, and actors Martin Casella and Nicholas Hope, among others. The 5th annual WA Screen Culture Awards was hosted by comedian Emma Krause and speaking of the event, director of the Revelation Perth International Film Festival, Richard Sowada says, “it’s been a cracking year for the WA screen sector across the board and it’s reflected in brilliant diversity of films platformed during the WASCAs. We received a record number of entries in all categories and the buzz is just brilliant. It gives all of us at Rev great pride to be able play a small role in acknowledging the achievements, work and heart of the WA screen sector.”
FAQs
1. What is the main theme of the film Runt?
The main theme of Runt revolves around a girl and her dog trying to save their farm, showcasing the power of determination and resilience.
2. Who were the notable winners at the WA Screen Culture Awards?
Some notable winners at the WA Screen Culture Awards include the film Runt, the documentary Genocide in the Wildflower State, and the short film Esperance to Fremantle.
3. What categories did Runt win in at the awards?
Runt won in key categories such as Innovation in Narrative Feature Film with a budget over $1m and Outstanding Achievement in Writing, Production Design, and Original Music.
4. Who designed the trophies for the winners of the WASCAs?
The trophies for the WASCAs winners were designed by filmmaker and screen industry advocate Ryan Hodgson in collaboration with Geographik, Squarepeg Home, and Artcom Fabrication.
5. How much did Runt gross at the Australian box office?
Runt impressively surpassed $5.5M at the Australian box office, making it the third highest-grossing locally made film of 2024.
6. Who hosted the 5th annual WA Screen Culture Awards?
The 5th annual WA Screen Culture Awards was hosted by comedian Emma Krause.
7. What was the special award presented to Matthew Eeles?
Matthew Eeles received the Independent Spirit Award at the WASCAs for his contributions to the WA screen industry.
8. Which film won for Innovation in Student Film at the awards?
The short film Esperance to Fremantle won the award for Innovation in Student Film at the WA Screen Culture Awards.
9. Who were some of the industry experts on the panel for selecting winners?
Industry experts on the panel for selecting winners included cinematographer Frank Mobilio, creative director Ken Leung, and actors Martin Casella and Nicholas Hope.
10. What was the overall sentiment expressed by Richard Sowada about the WA screen sector?
Richard Sowada expressed that it had been a brilliant year for the WA screen sector and acknowledged the achievements, work, and heart of the industry during the WASCAs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Runt’s success at the WA Screen Culture Awards showcases the talent and creativity present in the Australian film industry. The film’s victories in multiple categories, along with the recognition of other outstanding works, highlight the diversity and excellence of the WA screen sector. The event was a celebration of innovation, storytelling, and the dedication of individuals who contribute to the thriving film community.