THE ROB KNOX FILM FESTIVAL - 2011 REVIEW

With a nod of support from the likes of Steven Spielberg and Emilio Estevez, the Rob Knox Film Festival has celebrated its third birthday in style.

Hollywood scriptwriter Ben Trebilcook dropped the famous names as he arrived for this year’s short film festival awards evening. 

He said both directors knew about and had been supportive of the event.

Mr Trebilcook, from Welling and one of the festival judges, added: “I am hoping they might become involved in the future.”

Asked about the standards at this year’s festival, he said:

“The films are a better quality and genre. These are professionally made films, and it is becoming very difficult to judge. I think this festival is really going to take off and Mick Wearing (the festival director) has done a fantastic job, the quality of the acting was amazing.”

He also added:

“We intend the Rob Knox Festival to be much bigger next year. I am getting the word out about the festival, to some big names in Hollywood who I have worked for and am in touch with, including Emilio Estevez and Tom Cruise.”

The awards evening was hosted, as always, by Bexleyheath’s Cineworld, which even rolled out the red carpet for guests this year.

The 2011 festival attracted more than 200 films, compared with just 50 last year. 

Cameron Holt receives his award from Eastenders actress Jacqueline Jossa

Entries came from across the world, including Brazil, Japan and Africa. Even so, there were 21 films entered by Bexley residents, 69 films made by young people and 61 with a clear social message.

The festival, since it was renamed in 2009 following the murder of teenage Sidcup actor Rob Knox, has teamed up with the Rob Knox Foundation, the charity set up by his parents in Rob’s memory. 

The Rob Knox Film Festival 2011