The Australian Independent Video Music Awards (AIMVA) were held in the Arc Cinema of the National Film and Sound Archives last Saturday. It was a night that showcased a wide variety of film clips from all over the world and celebrated the achievements of the filmmakers, whose videos were recognized in a wide range of categories spanning across all genres of music.
Diversity in video
The night itself featured artists who were both talented video producers as well as storytellers, ranging from the old and young to hipsters and metal heads. The clips shown were brilliant, displaying a high standard of production value and technical skill which was fused with the thematic tone of the songs that were attached to them.
Some videos were moving, others hilarious; whereas some made powerful social statements. It was a testament to the sheer talent of the underground indie music scene in this country and indeed around the globe, not only for musical artists, but filmmakers too. It is not often that the video clips for songs are recognized in their own awards show, especially at the Independent level; so Saturday nights showcase was a refreshing change and also an eye opening experience.
International entries
The winning clips came not just from Australia, but from many countries including Canada, Afghanistan, Senegal, Egypt, Ukraine and others. Canberra locals SAFIA took out two awards on the night for Listen to Soul, Listen to Blues including ACT Video Clip of the Year, which was filmed by up-and-coming director Jimmy Ennett. The 2013 AIMVA award for Music Video of the year went to Sun City and their song High directed by Brett Hamilton from Perth.
X-factor Winner from 2010 Altiyan Childs won Best Rock Video award and was live at the show to present some awards and perform a song for the crowd, including some loyal fans who had turned up with signs to see him.
The Independent movement
All of the winning performers are indie artists, most of whom have not had their voices heard on a large scale such as the stage of the AIMVA; a show such as this is beneficial for both musician and videographer. The number of entries and nominations grows each year, with an increased flow of films means an increase in the calibre of the videos entered which is elevating the status of the AIMVA to a platform in future years where the scope and the reach of the songs and clips will gain a nationwide audience and help these artists be discovered.
Nominations for the 2014 Australian Independent Video Music Awards are already open. information is available on their website by clicking here.
The Awards for this year were recorded for eventual broadcast. A DVD of the night will be available shortly and can be purchased from the AIMVA website.
