Post by Monash College

From classic storytelling to innovative film techniques, creativity was on full display at this year’s BLAST Film Festival: Vintage and Retro On Set. Over 100 students and staff came together to celebrate the artistic and technical talents of our Diploma of Arts students across the categories of Video Essay, Storytelling, Documentary, and, for the first time, an Open Category welcoming submissions from all Monash College programs. The vintage and retro theme came to life with students and staff dressing up in styles from 1920s glamour to 1990s grunge, while interactive activities – including film trivia, competitions, and raffle giveaways – created a fun, engaging atmosphere. Thank you to our filmmaker guests, Zheming Lai and Fenghe Han (Hudson), for sharing their expertise and inspiring us with their own creative journey. Zheming’s short films include Beyond The End, shortlisted at the North Bellarine Film Festival, while Hudson’s award-winning documentaries explore ethnic minority cultures. We would also like to thank the Monash Media and Communication Society, an academic and social club for students passionate in the field, for connecting with students and giving them a glimpse of the creative opportunities at Monash University beyond the classroom. The festival reflects our BLAST framework (Belong, Learn, Achieve and Succeed Together), giving students authentic opportunities to showcase their work, receive feedback, and build the confidence and skills essential for success at Monash University and beyond. Congratulations to all students, and thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate their talent and filmmaking excellence.