A story about an elderly man and his dog is this year’s runner-up film in Tropfest Australia.
Former Leader reporter Nick Baker who, with fellow filmmaker Tristan Klein, were among the 16 finalists to have their short film, Postcards to Ulay, shown on Valentine’s Day 2016.
The outdoor screening was on Sunday February 14 at Centennial Park, Sydney.
Baker, 29, originally from Engadine (now living in south- east Asia), and Klein, 30, originally from Heathcote (now in Petersham), won second place for their film, an animation set in the fictional Soviet Republic of Tajmenistan circa 1960.
The friends, who formed Seek and Hide Productions, share a passion for telling stories through animation.
Their previous film Punctured came third place at Tropfest Australia 2013 and their other project The Unlikely Maestro won Tropfest New York in the same year.
"It was an incredible night,” Baker said.
“Such a surreal experience to have thousands of people watch our film.
“We were very impressed with the winner and all other finalists.
“The entries were particularly strong and diverse this year.”
Tropfest Australia was cancelled then revived this year.
Baker said it was a significant event for emerging filmmakers.
"The past few months have been a roller coaster ride - finding out we were finalists, then the cancellation, and now this,” he said.
Tristan said this was only the beginning.
"It’s onwards and upwards,” he said.
“We’ve got a few more creative projects in the works.
“We hope to produce longer animated stories, about local Australian people and events.”
