The winner of the Best Short Film in the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) was Gorgo, a film with former Gunnedah woman Katie Amos as the producer.

Directed by Ven Gialouris and written by lead actress Danielle Stamoulos, the short film follows two Greek brides and their story of arranged marriages in Australia.

It was inspired by the Medusa myth along with the experiences of the director and writer’s grandmothers.

While the film was nominated for the national award, Katie said there was no expectation to win.

“We were all a bit surprised because it was so unexpected,” she said.

Gorgo was nominated from more than 100 productions and won from the six selected in the category.

The awards took place at the Gold Coast recently, where Katie brought along parents Marg and David Amos and sister Lucy Ravenwood.

Katie, now based in Sydney, has had her hands in many different roles and productions but this is the first time being on a team to win an Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts award.

It was a small team that created Gorgo.

“That is normally the case in short films,” Katie said.

“People just get in and get it done together. So, we are very proud of our small team.”

Despite the film’s setting in the 1960s, production came with its own modern struggles.

“We had a false start,” Katie said.

The filming had begun when COVID lockdown paused progress.

“Maybe it was a blessing for us,” she said, acknowledging it gave the opportunity to reconsider and think about the film.

While Katie does not have a Greek heritage like the director and writer, she still expressed her desire to assist in telling the story.

“I did feel connected to the story. It is a very female story,” she said.

It was director Ven Gialouris who introduced her to the concept of Gorgo.

They already shared similar interests in telling certain stories, so it was no wonder Katie wanted to be a part of the production.

“I was kind of hooked,” she said.

“It was a really lovely experience delivering the story with Ven and Danielle.”

Katie Amos with parents David and Marg and sister Lucy Ravenwood.

A still from the short film Gorgo.

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