Darwin's Fist Full of Films

Short films about the dangers presented by burnt toast, cane toads, gamba grass and marijuana have won over the crowd at Darwin's Fist Full of Films awards.But the judges had different ideas, with film critic Margaret Pomeranz and filmmaker Rob Connolly choosing psychological thriller Toad as the winner. The 20 finalists screened their works for the seventh annual short film festival at Darwin's Deckchair Cinema last night. The winning short film, by first-time film-makers Kevin Cook and Phil MacDonald, is about how a captured cane toad inspires a man to murder. Mr Cook says the subject for his winning film had been torn from the headlines.

"Forget about global warming and the war on terrorism, cane toads is the big issue facing Territorians today and we've decided to address that issue and confront it face on," Mr Cook said.

But he says his co-star could not make it to opening night. "Unfortunately, we had to dispose of him in the recommended way, which is sticking him in the freezer," he said.

The film faces stiff competition for the People's Choice Award from a deadly coffee machine and a scooter chase through Darwin. Each five-minute Fist Full of Films entry had to contain the keyword, 'charm' and other responses tackled marijuana use and a rapper charming the audience with a rant against gamba grass.

From the ABC

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Darwin Film Society

The Darwin Film Society is the Northern Territory's leading screen culture organisation. The Society has addressed the dearth of arthouse cinema in the Top End by presenting a wide range of films not usually shown in Territory cinemas or on television. Programs include members’ screenings, festivals, and special events curated both locally and interstate.

Dry Season Screenings – Deckchair Cinema

Screenings of films – selected from among the best of Australian and international alternative cinema – take place in a relaxed open air cinema during the Top End's dry season (April to November). The Program includes members’ screenings, special events and festivals.

Wet Season Screenings

During the wet season films are shown every weekend at Cinema 5 Darwin, Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinema, Darwin. Films screen Sunday and Monday evenings from January to March.Program information: 08 8981 0700.

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