So often the discussion around Australian film centres on making features, ‘making it’ in Hollywood and making a killing at the box office.. So much so that you might think making any other kind of movie is a waste of time. So why bother making a short? Our panelists answer that question with gusto, discussing why shorts are not just stepping stones to features but brilliant artforms in their own right, vital to the health of Australia’s film industry and culture. Viva short film - and long live Wholphin!

PANELISTS

Sarah Lancaster, director of the Caught Short Film Festival, monthly screenings at Tap Gallery, Darlinghurst. www.filmcaughtshort.com

Tony Lawrence, filmmaker & producer of Sydney Shorts, weekly program on Channel 31. www.myspace.com/sydneyshorts

Jaimie & Aspasia Leonarder, collectors, archivists and purveyors of psychotronc film and anomalous shorts. Weekly screenings at the Mu Meson Archives, and Sinema @ The Annandale, plus weekly radio program The Naked City. www.mumeson.org

Stefan Popescu, director of the Sydney Underground Film Festival. www.sydneyundergroundfilmfestival.com

Kriv Stenders, writer/director (Two/Out, Boxing Day, The Illustrated Family Doctor, Blacktown) www.podfilm.com.au

Aaron Roach, director of Nice Shorts website. www.niceshorts.com.au