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Screenwriter to inspire at Voices festival
An American screenwriter whose work is set to star legendary actor Al Pacino is now studying Education at the University of the Sunshine Coast to pursue another role – teaching the magic of film to local students.
Rebecca Belfield-Kennedy, who “escaped Los Angeles” for family life at Flaxton four years ago, will feature at the 2011 Voices on the Coast at USC next month.
Ms Belfield-Kennedy has written and developed projects for Warner Bros, Walt Disney Pictures and DreamWorks. Al Pacino is to play Napoleon in her adaptation of the young adult novel “Betsy and The Emperor”.
She is looking forward to Voices, a youth-focused literature festival from 4-8 June expected to attract about 5,000 people from across the region.
It is presented each year by Immanuel Lutheran College and USC and in 2011 will emphasise methods of alternative publishing such as blogs and e-zines.
Ms Belfield-Kennedy will present a public lecture, Unforgettable Moments in Australian Cinema, from 7.15pm on Tuesday 7 June at the University.
“Film is a powerful communication tool for teens and can empower them to become involved citizens in the community,” she said. “I want to support young people in creating a film culture on the Sunshine Coast.”
Ms Belfield-Kennedy, 43, is married to Maleny screenwriter Duncan Kennedy and the mother of two young children.
Now in the last semester of her Graduate Diploma in Education at USC, she chose the program after recommendations from friends studying on campus.
“Both my parents are teachers and my goal is to teach film, television and new media to high school or university students,” she said. “I’m really enjoying the Education degree. USC has amazing professors who inspire you.”
Ms Belfield-Kennedy, who writes romantic comedies and dramas, has an extensive background working on scripts with Hollywood celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Julia Roberts and writer-director Lawrence Kasdan (who did “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “The Bodyguard”).
Voices on the Coast coordinator Kelly Dunham said the festival would feature 26 authors, poets and presenters at a variety of venues.
They range from professional tennis player-turned-children’s author Pat Flynn to international bestseller John Flanagan and thriller novelist James Phelan.
Thousands of local students aged from 10 to 17 will flock to the University on 6-7 June for workshops while public events will be held at USC, Immanuel College and regional libraries.
A literary breakfast with John Danalis (“Riding the Black Cockatoo”) will be held at Maroochy Surf Club to launch the festival on Saturday 4 June.
For tickets and details contact 5477 3437 or www.immanuel.qld.edu.au/voices.
– Julie Gatehouse