Lights, camera, action saw local emerging film makers have their own attempt at an award-winning entry for the festival, with stunning results.

The Clewers 24-hour Film Challenge saw seven polished entries shown on the big screen at Blyth Cinema on Saturday morning, January 23, to a packed house.

The film challenge viewing was followed by competition film screenings for the festival proper, which included entries from throughout the world. Originally planned over four screenings, the film festival was so popular additional sessions had to be slotted in to accommodate the interest.

Event organisers Seeta Indrani and Chris Bishop were thrilled with the response and said they planned to make the festival a biennial event.

The Clewers 24-hour challenge was won by Alex Griffin, 12, of Watervale who teamed up with Mandy Keulen from Sevenhill.

Alex and Mandy had met for the first time at the filmmaking master class and decided to take on the challenge together with winning results.

Runner-up was Pieter Honhoff of Clare.

Winners of the Clare Valley Film Festival were “The Next El Masri” as best Australian film, directed by Matt Hawkins.

The audience was able to cheer into a mobile phone when judges phoned international film winner, director Marco Gadge, in Germany for “Das Paket”.

The announcements were followed by a chance to socialise, enjoy some Clare Valley wine, nibbles and entertainment by local band Tumbadrum.