At a star studded event at Sydney’s Pavilion restaurant, internationally acclaimed actor David Wenham, Director Jeremy Sims and Packed to the Rafters star Jessica McNamee joined this year’s awards host Eddie Perfect to announce the nominees for the 2009 Inside Film Awards.

Samson & Delilah led the pack with nominations in eight categories, closely followed by Balibo with nominations in seven categories and Mary & Max with nominations in four categories. These nominations came in a year of huge competition with 191,433 ratings being recorded, more than three times the number recorded last year.

It was a great year for the indigenous film community with audiences embracing both indigenous culture and stars. Along with Samson & Delilah’s success, the short film category was also dominated by indigenous talent. The nominees in this category are the Deborah Mailman directed Ralph, Jacob produced by Darren Dale and Aunty Maggie and the Womba Wakgun directed by Leah Purcell.

Back in Sydney to begin a second decade in 2009 the Inside Film Awards celebrate and champion Australian film and creative talent as decided by the general public. This year’s Inside Film Awards are on Wednesday 18th November at Sydney’s Luna Park.

For tickets and to check out all the nominees, you should click here .

Two Flat Whites have had the pleasure in interviewing some wonderful Australian film identities which include Allanah Zitserman, Warwick Thornton, Adam Elliot, Clare Bowen, Dan Castle and Tony Mason. Simply click on the ‘previous interviews’ tab on Two Flat Whites.

Two Flat Whites recently caught up with the winner of the 2007 Flake Film Festival Tony Mason of Victoria. Tony has a passion for film & music. His short film ‘131.9 Cents Per Litre’ which was produced & directed by Tony Mason is an extremely funny mockumentary look at life as a surfer! Tony is a surfer, well sort of… he lives over 1 hour from the beach and he’s not very good! Some would even go as far as calling him a “kook”! It is fitting that we caught up with Tony, as the winner for the Flake Film Festival for 2008 is about to be announced.

Where did you grow up & where do you hang your hat?

Grew up in Melbourne, a true city boy, now living in Philip Island making this surf film.

In your own words, what do you do?

I’m an artist. I like to tell stories through all facets of media. Music is such a strong passion of mine but lately filmmaking is taking over.

Where did you learn your craft?

Life…I’ve always observed people, this planet, trying to find the art of it all. I embrace everything everywhere drop it in the memory bank and use it somewhere.

Whose work do you relate to most? Who inspires you?

You know I’m such a selfish artist I try to use my previous work to inspire the next. I’m so self absorbed in it all….so anyone who is like me. My art teachers at school always said never throw out your work as art is a process…really I like any one that has success in this crazy industry. People who are passionate. People like Jamie Oliver. He always inspires me…as far as work I appreciate…gosh what a list. The French. The Japanese…Hollywood…the World!

What inspired you to create?

When I was 5 I decided I wanted to be famous. When I was 18 I decided to stick at the arts. It was always something I enjoyed. In this country I’ve felt so discouraged. Maybe that’s what inspired me. Americans I’ve met have always inspired me. Especially African Americans, they seem to embrace the arts more than the average Aussie battler who says don’t give up your day job.

Childhood Memories:

TV Show – Humphrey B Bear

Hobby – Art

Food – Junk (obviously)

Fear – School

People – My Nan

Defining moment – Rebelling from School

Schooling memories, chore or cherished?

Hated it. Didn’t fit. Bored out of my brains. My year 11 report said Tony Mason spends too much time dancing on the tables…

Where is the most beautiful place in Australia you have visited?

My home.

From the hours of 9am to 5pm, what do you get up too?

Sleeping then what ever art project I’m doing.

Where can people see your work?

Hopefully cinema… www.kookman.com.au , for my latest…

131.9 cents per litre

For love or money?

Love first money second…

What future endeavours are in the pipeline?

More features. A Music Album!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In the media!

If you could invite 3 people to chat over coffee, who would they be & why?

Geoffrey Rush… (need a good Aussie connection). Ricky Gervais… (need a good laugh) and Ben Stiller… (need a good Hollywood connection).

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee