The Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival is a film festival which has been held in Gympie, Queensland, Australia since 2006.
Over 4 days in Autumn, the Heart of Gold International Film Festival combines the genuine warmth and hospitality of a country town with Local and International films that are entertaining, thought-provoking and express a positive view of the world and humanity.
Founded by Toni Powell in 2006, in 2009 festival management was transferred to Heart of Gold Film Festival Inc, an incorporated association committed to the screening and promotion of nourishing, well crafted films. Now entering its fifth year, Heart of Gold is quickly gaining the recognition and size to establish itself among the best competitive short film festivals in Australia.
The Festival is in the regional Queensland city of Gympie, just a two hour drive north of Brisbane, along the Bruce Highway and a short 45 minutes drive from the beach at Noosa Heads. The festival is a four day, three night event.
Heart of Gold does not screen films that have explicit sexual acts, nudity, excessive profanity or gratuitous violence. Films that condone racism, illicit activity and cruelty would also not find a place in this festival.
In 2010, the festival was held between March 11 and 14. This festival screened over 170 films from 24 countries and the winner of the 2010 BEST SHORT FILM was, The Light of Family Burnam; a Canadian Film directed by Marshall Axani. The festival is an annual competitive event with prize money allocated to the winners. Entries for the 2011 Festival opened in June and final deadline was 18 November 2010.