THE BIG NEWS coming out of the hugely successful Veterans Film Festival ‘Red Poppy’ Awards held at the Australian War Memorial on Saturday is that from 2017, the Department of Defence will partner with the event.

The festival is fast  becoming  an important event in the arts scene in Canberra, enabling viewers to take a journey through film with serving and ex-serving defence personnel, their families and the impact war has on society.

“We have had over 250 submissions, from all ages, that explore diverse perspectives, outcomes and influences,” said director Tom Papas, “The jury faced a real challenge in selecting the best films on each category.”

But undoubtedly the highlight of the event for Papas was the announcement by Vice Admiral Ray Griggs of the new partnership.

The Red Poppy Award for Best Australian Short Film went to director Jennifer Perrot and the Best Female Actor Award went to Indianna Gregg from Sydney for “The Ravens”.

Each winning film was represented by dignitaries from their respective countries, including Canada, UK, USA and Iran to receive the awards.

The winning films were:

• Red Poppy Award for Best International Feature Film – “Hyena Road” (Canada)
• Red Poppy Award for Best Australian Feature Film – “The Crater” (Australia)
• Red Poppy Special Award – “Patient 39” (UK)
• Red Poppy Award for Best Music – “Red Line” (Iran)
• Red Poppy Award for Best Animation – “The Little Boy” (Iran)
• Red Poppy Award for Best Male Actor – Michael E. Knight for “Darryl”
• Red Poppy Award for Best International Short Film – “Darryl” (USA)
• Red Poppy Award for Best Female Actor – Indianna Gregg “The Ravens” (Australia)
• Red Poppy Award for Best Australian Short Film – “The Ravens” (Australia)