Greed, lust and sloth are a few of the themes investigated in John Curtin College of the Arts graduate Gracie Beck’s experimental film, Seven Deadly Sins, which was one of the winning films at the 22nd West Australian Screen Awards (WASA).
The 2008 Year 12 graduate’s film won the Early Career Category for Best Secondary Student Production of the WASAs, which recognise and encourage excellence and achievement in film and television production in WA.
Coming from a family of filmmakers, her dad makes documentaries and narrative films in Cambodia, Gracie said she was trying to think of an idea for a three minute experimental film that had not been used before that enabled her to explore a number of different themes rather than one focus.
“This led to seven stories that are all interrelated but allow alternative interpretations so that viewers can take whatever they interpret from the film,” she said.
Gracie acknowledged the self- learning that was encouraged in Artsmedia at John Curtin was a highlight of the course.
“It’s the best way to learn the production side because we are given the task, attempt it ourselves and then are told how to improve on it,’ she said.
Artsmedia Coordinator, Emma Clements said John Curtin College of the Arts students had been finalists at the WASAs for the past four years.
“Giving students open and multi-layered tasks allows them to explore their own creativity and investigate context at their own depth,” she said.
“We are very lucky to teach at such a well resourced school.”
Gracie’s film will be screened at John Curtin College of the Arts’ Retrospective: Artsmedia Film Festival at the Curtin Theatre on Wednesday, 25 March from 6.00pm. Tickets are $5 from the box office on 9433 7222.
The WASA award ceremony for the finalists takes place on 21 March at the Octagon Theatre.