The Foxtel Street TV Short Film Fest 2009

The FOXTEL Street TV Short Film Fest 2009

- Showcasing short films produced by Australia's homeless youth -

This year's FOXTEL Street TV Short Film Fest to be premiered at FOXTEL's Television Centre on Thursday, 26 March 2009 will be supported by Aussie TV personalities and sports stars including Craig Wing and Matt Shirvington.

Minister for Housing and the Status of Women, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP will also speak at the Film Fest to show her ongoing support for the organisation and to congratulate this year's graduates.

The Street TV film and television course is run by FOXTEL in conjunction with the Salvation Army's Oasis Youth Support Network; which helps disadvantaged young Australians get their lives back on track.

Now in its fifth year, the FOXTEL Street TV Short Film Fest will feature three fantastic short films produced by the students:

"Interference", produced by Pjay Streeton:
Features Anthony Mundine and tells the story of Pjay's own struggle to recover from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder through boxing and playing sport for his country.

"The World According to Ken", produced by Josh Peachy:
Josh searches to discover the motivation behind one of the Oasis' longest serving volunteers - Ken.

"Giving Birth to Hope... A Mother's Battle", produced by Emma Foster & Teagan Stead:
The story of a young woman and her battle with domestic violence, addiction and homelessness.

Oasis Director, Captain Brett Mitchell says, "the FOXTEL Street TV Short Film Festival will reveal the great potential and talent that is locked within many of our homeless and disadvantaged young people. These three short films demonstrate to Australia, that with the right opportunities these young people; Pjay, Josh, Emma and Teagan, can find hope for the future and turn their lives around.

"At Oasis we provide homeless young people with the support, encouragement and opportunities through more than 29 unique programs and services. Without the support of corporate partners like Foxtel we would not be able to continue our work and make a real difference".

On the night, each short film will be shown for the first time along with a special behind the scenes look at the students' progress and journey through the course. The students will see their own ideas come to life on the big screen and the audience will gain insight into their world view, even if just for a few minutes! The event will also feature performances by upcoming young Australian musicians.

FOXTEL's Danny Caretti, who has the run the course each year since its inception says, "it's always exciting to see what ideas the students arrive with, and how they use the films as a means to tell their own story, whether literally or through someone else's eyes. Each year is so different, but the results are always surprising and rewarding."

The films will air on FOXTEL's platform in 2009 as well being available to watch on www.foxtel.com.au