Ronan's Escape (film)

Ronan's Escape is a short film directed by Australian born film writer/director A.J. Carter. The film set in the rural wheat belt of Western Australia, provides a candid insight into the life of Ronan, a 14 yr old boy who's been bullied his whole life at school and whom decides to finally make his escape. This accurate & controversial portrayal of life for someone who has fallen victim to bullying and the repercussions which exist, is told in a unique, exposition intensive format with very little use of dialogue. Ronan's Escape presents arbitrary scenes rather than traditional storytelling which provokes audiences into discussion and interpretation of the scenes on a more personal level while reflecting on their own experiences.

Release

15 February 2010 saw Carter's debut narrative film, "Ronan's Escape" premiere at Hoyts Cinemas (Southlands, Western Australia). The film has since been screened around the world in public film festivals and has also been used in schools as an educational tool, primarily in the U.S.A, against school bullying.

Critical Acclaim

The continued international success of Ronan's Escape has seen the film officially selected into 19 international festivals around the world and has earned a total of 13 award nominations and 10 wins. Awards include Best Short Film at the prestigious 16th Annual Sedona International Film Festival, 2010 Director's Choice Awards, presented to Carter by filmmaker Michael Moore, Best International Film at the 6th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival in Hollywood, and the World Cinema / Van Gogh award for Best Director at the 2011 Amsterdam International Film Festival.

Awards and Nominations

Ronan's Escape

Film

Year

Festival

Award Nomination

Result

Ronan's Escape

2010

6th Annual HollyShorts International Film Festival

Best International Film

WON

2010

17th Annual Sedona International Film Festival

Best Short Film

WON

2011

Amsterdam International Film Festival

Best Director (Van Gogh World Directing Award)

WON

2011

Shorts Film Festival

Best upcoming Screenwriter

WON

2011

Peace on Earth Film Festival

Best Short Narrative Film

WON

2011

Australian Cinematographers Society Awards

Best Cinematography- Short Fictional Drama

WON

2011

Los Angeles International Film Festival

Best Production Design

WON

2011

Los Angeles International Film Festival

Best Film Honorable Mention

WON

2011

Peace on Earth Film Festival

Best Short Film - Student Choice award

WON

2012

Focus Film Festival

Best Film - Best of Festival award

WON