Karyn Dwyer played Morgan
in Last Call Before Sunset
" Stars shine at Melbourne film fest
The Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival was bright with stars Saturday night. See pix of the red carpet and the awards presentation. (If these links don't work - some gremlin keeps shuffling them around - you can find them on our photo galleries page.)
The festival concluded with a screening of "Eye of the Dolphin," a sweet family film about a troubled girl who reconciles with the father she never knew she had.
"Eye of the Dolphin" star Carly Schroeder was on hand for the event and was modest about the many honors the film has received so far.
"I'm just here along for the ride," she said. "I'm so glad it's doing as well as it is. It is truly a beautiful family film, and Michael Sellers is an incredible director, and the cast was incredible, so I'm just glad it's getting the recognition." She's slated to star in the sequel.
Sellers had high praise for her, too, as well as for the festival, whose proceeds go to charity.
"Melbourne has a lot more community spirit than a lot of them do," Sellers said. "It really does. There's a great deal of heart. I think you've got great management for the festival, great vision. It has a great sense of connectedness to the community. So we really love being here. It's great."
"I am so happy to be in Melbourne," said Karyn Dwyer, star of "Better Than Chocolate" festival horror film "Last Call Before Sunset" as she picked up her award. "I cannot believe the audiences. The turnout has been amazing. They've done a great job here, and the passion for independent film has been really inspiring."
"Last Call" director Michael Baumgarten accepted a Robin & Eddy Spirit Award later in the evening. "Some people do it just for the money. I wish that were me," he quipped.
Michael Bailey Smith, the guest of honor who was making a return appearance at the fest, said he loved Melbourne so much he might buy a house here. The star of "The Hills Have Eyes" movies, he judged the horror films, and festival director Terry Cronin called him a horror legend.
"I'm not a legend yet," Smith murmured as he got on stage to announce the horror winner. "
source: www.myspace.com/karyndwyer
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