Neville Hiatt’s stop-motion short film F.O.A. has won best animation at the inaugural LANDS END – Festival of Film, taking home the festival’s distinctive “Sharkie” trophy.
Of all the Sharkie trophies presented, the best animation award is the only one to feature a lighthouse – a fitting detail given a lighthouse plays a prominent role in Mr Hiatt’s film.
The recognition marks a major milestone for Mr Hiatt, who created and edited the film while living in his vehicle.
After F.O.A. was rejected by 30 film festivals, he completed the entire production on a 14-inch laptop using local public libraries.
Mr Hiatt said the award was deeply meaningful.
“This is an incredibly meaningful honour,” he said.
“To have F.O.A. selected as the best animation after so many rejections is truly humbling.”
Festival directors praised the film for its originality and emotional impact.
“Your work stood out for its creativity, craft and devotion to telling a story in a compelling way,” organisers said in a statement.
“It captured the audience visually and emotionally, holding their attention and leaving a lasting impression.”
LANDS END – Festival of Film was established to celebrate storytelling and the ability of short films to connect audiences through ideas, emotion and place.
F.O.A. is a multi-award-winning stop-motion short film written, directed and animated by Mr Hiatt.
It was his first stop-motion project and has since been selected for multiple Australian and international film festivals.
