Muswellbrook Shire Council has again been successful in obtaining funds from Screen NSW to run the Blue Heeler Film Festival.

The intent behind the festival was to provide the Muswellbrook Shire community with access to free film screenings, as well as the opportunity to create and screen their own short films, in response to residents' call for local cinema experiences.

The Festival had its inaugural run this year during the April school holidays and was supported by Screen NSW, Muswellbrook Shire Council, Bengalla Coal Mine, Coal & Allied, Hunter Mutual, Muswellbrook Race Club, Two Rivers Wines, Muswellbrook Rugby Club, Power FM and the Muswellbrook Chronicle.

The first festival was free to attend and saw four events in four different venues – Highbrook Park (Muswellbrook), the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, the Muswellbrook Race Club and Two Rivers Winery in Denman.

The build up to the 2014 Blue Heeler Film Festival will include short film workshops, as well as the opportunity to view and vote for your favourite short film entry.

Those people entering their own films will have the chance to win a range of prizes including the most coveted film prize in the Upper Hunter amateur film circle ‚Äì “The Bluey”.

Muswellbrook Cr Malcolm Ogg said that following the success of the first Blue Heeler Film Festival it has been wonderful to confirm that the event will run again in 2014.

“This region is full of creative and enthusiastic people as we saw during the first festival, and there's a wonderful sense of community that comes with enjoying a feature presentation under the stars,” Malcolm said.

“I look forward to seeing what the Hunter comes up with this time around.”

Whilst the events will again take place in the Muswellbrook Shire, the 2014 event will invite entries from across the entire Hunter region.

New themes, event dates and sponsorships are currently in discussion, so if you have a suggestion visit the Blue Heeler Film Festival Facebook page to join the conversation.