The inaugural Melbourne Documentary Film Festival will be held 9-11 July 2016. We conclude a series interviewing the festival's curators. Here we speak with Flora Georgiou.

What does the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival mean for Melbourne?

A good opportunity for Melbourne to maintain its reputation as cultural hub.It is important for our Melbourne filmmakers to be recognised in their own city in an International context.

This year will be the first year of the film festival. What are some of the highlights?

As it is the first year l see the whole festival as a highlight. As it is a submissionbased festival it does depend on films that are submitted. The environmental/Health:Aussie Docs; Queer films etc

Can you discuss your involvement?

I am a senior curator and view and review the films that are submitted into the festival.

What did you find interesting about the submissions?

I found all submissions interesting. Each film that is submitted has something to offer. All films are a cross-cultural global reflection of what is happening around the world.

What type of feedback have you given the filmmakers? How does that work?

Whether films are accepted into the festival or not accepted; it is our policy at that festival that we give positive and encouraging feedback to all filmmakers.

Have the documentaries surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not at all. But what they have provided is insightful aesthetics and how filmmakers technically devise their ideas. That is what l find challenging.

What are you looking to achieve in the film industry and as curator?

As curator l feel it is important to understand your role and your contribution to the festival and to the film industry in general.It is not about climbing the ladder.

What have you enjoyed most about being a curator?

I love watching films and l love watching documentary films.

What type of impact would you like this film festival to have?

Too make it an annual event and generate a creative cultural event that should not be missed.

Lastly, what’s a key question that will help spark a debate about your film festival?

It is a broad question. What makes a good documentary?

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela