David Vincent Smith’s directorial debut, He Ain’t Heavy, a drama inspired by true events, bagged an impressive four awards out of seven nominations at the 2023 WA Screen Culture Awards (WASCAs). Noteworthy recognitions include Innovation in Narrative Feature Film (budget over $1m), Outstanding Achievements in Cinematography or Visualisation (Lewis Potts), Performance (Sam Corlett), and Production Design (Emma Fletcher).

Steven J. Mihaljevich’s low-budget horror flick Violett claimed two awards for Innovation in Narrative Feature Film (budget under $1m) and Outstanding Achievement in Performance Under 18, credited to the talented actress Valentina Blagojevic.

Kaleb McKenna’s poignant short film Raising Thunder also earned two awards for Outstanding Achievement in Sound/Sound Design and Original Music.

Films with distinctly Western Australian imprints shone through including the powerful short film The Grey Line, recounting the experience of Noongar woman Helen Dwyer from the

Stolen Generation. The narrative-driven social impact documentary Black Cockatoo Crisis, shedding light on the plight of WA’s iconic and endangered species. Additionally, Ningaloo Nyinggulu, a mesmerizing exploration of one of the Earth’s last intact wild places, written and narrated by acclaimed author Tim Winton, with additional writing from Peter Rees, also earned WASCAs.

The 2023 WASCAs also recognized outstanding industry leaders with two prestigious Special Industry Awards. The Independent Spirit Award, presented by the Revelation Perth International Film Festival, was bestowed upon Ian Hale, Managing Director of The Backlot and HALO Films, while the Contribution to the Industry Award, presented by City of Fremantle, went to Celia Tait, Managing Director of ARTEMIS MEDIA.

Organized by the Revelation Perth International Film Festival, the WASCAs is a tribute to the local independent film industry in Western Australia.

“The consistent quality of the WA screen scene across all its forms never ceases to be a source of inspiration for us,” says Revelation Director Richard Sowada.

“Over the last few years, the leaps and bounds in moving image art, short films, independently produced features and computer games have had locally and largely under their own power is as good as anything in the country and finding their feet on the international stage. We’re so proud to fly their flag and celebrate their success.”

Innovation Awards

Narrative Feature Film with budget under $1m
Violett

Narrative Feature Film with budget over $1m – presented by Spinifex Brewery
He Ain’t Heavy

Feature Documentary / Non Fiction – presented by Zarephath Wines
Black Cockatoo Crisis

Short Film / Animation – presented by City of Vincent
The Grey Line

Student Film
School Makes Me…

Television – presented by Broadcast Gurus
Ningaloo Nyinggulu

Music Video – presented by AO Let’s Go Print and Distribution
Studio Orange – Healthy Hygiene Behaviours

Game Design – presented by City of Vincent
Nekograms

Commercial Content
Wizard Pharmacy: Xmas Rap!

Moving Image and Installation – presented by PAV
A Leap of Faith

Virtual Reality, 360° or Augmented Reality – presented by XR:WA
Wiluna Martu Rangers – Protecting Culture and Country

Web Series or Online Content – presented by RevStream
Dr Russell’s World of Curiosities

Outstanding Achievement Awards

Directing
Tee Ken Ng – Ella Wright

Cinematography or Visualisation – presented by Raz Rentals
He Ain’t Heavy – Lewis Potts

Writing
Bird Drone – Clare Toonen

Performance – presented by PAC Screen Workshops
He Ain’t Heavy – Sam Corlett

Performance Under 18s – presented by The Ali Roberts Studio
Violett – Valentina Blagojevic

Production Design – presented by Bonnet Distilling Co
He Ain’t Heavy – Emma Fletcher

Editing – presented by Sandbox
The Grey Line – Scott Quayle

Sound or Sound Design – presented by Soundbyte
Raising Thunder – Brad Habib, Holly Miller, Jake Isard, Tam Glover, Brendan Hill, James Brock

Original Music – presented by RTRFM 92.1
Raising Thunder – Robert Woods