Rising local director has skating short film in festival

Cooloongup film director Ruben Pracas could see his name in lights next week when his short film, Leederville, is shown as part of the Perth International Film Festival.

Former Kolbe Catholic College student Pracas said the short film followed the plight of teenage protagonist Damon as he tries to help a young boy conquer his fear of dropping in to a skate park.

Pracas said the film was shot on location at Leederville Skate Park over two days in 2012, thanks to industry funding of $3000, and offered themes of accepting fear as an ordinary part of life.

He said he felt somewhat nervous about Thursday’s screening because of how far he had come since shooting the film.

“It almost feels a little cringe-worthy watching Leederville now, but it feels pretty good to know how far we have come,” Pracas said.

“I’m now working on another film called Love in a Disabled Toilet and hope to start on a feature film in the next few years.”

Pracas said he had worked on two John Butler music videos with renowned director Ben Young since filming Leederville, and been named the People’s Choice Award winner at Perth short film festival, Tropfest, in December last year.

He said he developed an interest in film during his final year of high school.

He then abandoned his original plans to study engineering in favour of a creative industries degree at Edith Cowan University.

“I’m hoping to make the move to Sydney, London or LA in the future, to get some more hands-on experience,” Pracas said.

“There are so many filmmakers in LA, but also much more opportunities.”

Pracas’ film Leederville can be seen at the Luna Palace Cinema, Leederville.

The film will screen from 6.30pm on Thursday.