Festival Data:

• Established: 2006
• Genre: General
• Attendance: 5500
• Media Attendance: 25
• Accredited Industry Attendance: 5
• Total Number of Films Submitted: 530
• Total Number of Films Screened: 135
• Total Screenings: 39
• Total National and International Premieres: 50
• # of Shorts Screened: 129
• # of Features Screened: 6

• Competitive
• Has Panels
• Workshops

Festival Website:

Festival Description:

The Heart of Gold International Film Festival showcases well-crafted films that feed us with their thought-provoking, uplifting or simply funny take on life. When a film nourishes us, it impacts how we think, makes us smile, changes how we treat people. Heart of Gold IFF seeks films that make a positive contribution to the world. The films screened at Heart of Gold have at least some of these elements:

• Positive themes.. films that elevate!
• Hilarious,witty or whimsical.
• Nourishing and life affirming.
• Well crafted stories.
• Exploring the human journey in a hopeful manner.
• Thought provoking films.
• Entertaining.
• Uplifting and heartwarming.
• Highlighting important issues.

Heart of Gold does not screen films that have explicit sexual acts, nudity, excessive profanity or gratuitous violence. Films that condone racism, drug use and cruelty would also not find a place in this festival.

Heart of Gold is a four day three night event with wonderful short films, some special 'featured' features and documentaries, parties, events and intimate question and answer sessions with filmmakers. Heart of Gold also holds a dedicated multi day Schools Screening Series.

Heart of Gold Awards include:

"Gold Heart Award" for Jury Selected Best Film - AUD$5,000 cash
Sponsored by Cos Schuh, Schuh & Company

"Power of Dreams" Award for Best Australian Film - AUD$5,000 cash
Sponsored by Honda http://www.honda.com

"Gold Heart Award" for Best Queensland Film - Post production to the value of AUD$2,500
Sponsored by Cutting Edge

"Gold Heart Award" for Best Cinematography - AUD$1,500 cash
Sponsored by Roly Poly Picture Company www.rolypoly.com.au

"Gold Heart Award" for Best Foreign Film - AUD$500
Sponsored by Noosa Film Society http://www.noosafilmsoc.org/

"Gold Heart Award" for Best Animation - AUD$500
Sponsored by Shepherds Retravision

"Gold Heart Award" for Best Comedy

"Gold Heart Award" for Best Children's Film

"Gold Heart Award" for Best Narrative

"Gold Heart Award" for Best Documentary

"Gold Heart Award" for Most Inspiring Film

"Gold Heart Award" for Best Music Video

The Mayor's Award
Selected and presented by Cooloola Shire Council Mayor, Mick Vernados

The "Toni" Award
Festival Director's pick

Film Submissions:

• Call for Entry: http:/ / www.heartofgold.com.au/ film-makers/