Former Mulwaree High School student Matthew Phillips recognised for short film

The Mulwaree High School student couldn't believe it when he found out his six-minute film, Phillips Street, was featured in ArtExpress, the annual exhibition of exemplary artworks created by students for the HSC in Visual Arts.

"I was astonished to find out I was recognised because I thought the markers weren't going to like my film," Matthew said.

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"A lot of the other films were about social change and had little plot development, but I steered away from that.

"My intent for my body of work was to focus on traditional film-making techniques and topics to produce the quality of work that you would expect at a cinema."

Matthew said he would spend countless hours during his art classes just playing with ideas of how to make characters and trying to develop a classic stereotypical plot that the audience could enjoy.

The film combined his love for film-making, storytelling and music, so to have his work shown in the Art Gallery of NSW on February 2 was just the cherry on top.

"I have always dreamed of being involved in film-making since I was young and finally this year, I had the chance," he said.

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said all the works featured were simply outstanding.

"I know we will be seeing many of these talented young people excel in the future, whether that's on stage, on the screen, or behind the curtain," he said.

With his schooling now over, he plans on branching out into photography and advertising.

Phillips Street is about three high school students who come across a hand on the side of the road. Things take a turn when their school teacher finds them in possession of it.

You can view the film by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ud6MX3Vqa0&ab_channel=MatthewPhillips.

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