Here's what Pam shared:

"You know, I'm a regular cinema-goer, but the most enjoyable films are always those seen as part of a festival like AFF. The cinema is full, and there is such a strong feeling of community. Nothing beats the sense of belonging a film festival brings. The energy of the audience... It's impossible to quantify.

And of course, there is the pride we get from knowing that we support our state's incredibly talented artists to tell their stories.

Sometimes those stories are unfamiliar in content and format… I had never been that fond of animation until I met Leela Varghese at an AFF event back when Lesbian Space Princess was only an idea. Leela was so generous with her time and so engaging, chatting to me - this cranky old lady, about her project that I promised (a little apprehensively) that I would attend the screening when it was launched.

I was so impressed by the colour, the story, the fun, and the way Leela communicated important themes and messages that I am now an animation convert!

She pauses.

You know, I even remember the exact moment I decided to support AFF. I was sitting through a couple of AFF films with an audience that included some young creatives and their mates. They cried, laughed, and yelped their way through the films, cheering when the credits rolled. I loved how animated they were and how proud they were of their friends' achievements. It made me want to be part of this community. The best way I could do that was by offering some financial support.

For me, AFF's most important contribution to South Australia's arts scene is its affordability, its non-elitist access to storytelling, and the sense of community it creates.

If we want that to continue, we need to do our part."

What struck me most about Pam's reflections is that she never once talked about prestige, red carpets, or industry accolades.

She talked about belonging and discovering something new.

She talked about the joy of seeing people champion one another's creativity.

Whether you can list all of Jim Jarmusch's films or not, it's clear that the film buffs are on to something special.

AFF creates opportunities for audiences to connect, discover new stories, and champion South Australian creatives. That only happens because people like Pam, and hopefully you, choose to support it.

If AFF has ever introduced you to a film, filmmaker, or moment that stayed with you, please consider making a tax-deductible donation before 30 June.

Help us ensure this community continues to thrive.

 Join our community. Be part of the stories that shape our culture. 

Your tax-deductible donation will help Adelaide Film Festival champion bold new voices and bring extraordinary cinema to South Australia.

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For enquiries please contact:

Phone: +61 8 8394 2505
Email: info@adelaidefilmfestival.org

The Adelaide Film Festival Donations Fund is a tax-deductible fund listed on the Register of Cultural Organisations under Subdivision 30-B of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. ABN 37 857 696 177