Honest filmmaker wants-to inspire others to pursue dream

Robin Nicolle stars in Honest Police which is continuing on the festival circuit after picking up three awards at the International Media Arts Film Awards.

An actor whose film recently won three awards at an international film festival says he wants to use his example to encourage other movie buffs to explore their creativity. 

Working on a shoestring budget former Maleny resident Robin Nicolle shot the film locally, sourced the cast online and collaborated on the project with his friend Glenn Ganley who added his input and equipment. 

“It was the first award of my career and a fantastic experience for us all,” said Robin.

In addition to Robin’s award, Glenn won Best Editor and “Honest Police” was named Best Film at the International Media Arts and Film Awards (IMAFFA).

Robin said it was particularly important during the pandemic for film enthusiasts, movie makers, fans and students to celebrate story telling and film making.

“It was an awesome experience,” he said. “I want people to be inspired to write and produce their own ideas, especially during a pandemic when they may be feeling scared and anxious. It helped me and it will help others through these strange times.”

Honest Police is a wacky comedy about a misguided but well-intentioned police officer who thinks he has the best and most important job in the world and spends his time apprehending people for dishonesty rather than actual criminality. In one scene, he chases down a bottle shop customer who knowingly accepted too much change from the cashier without correcting him.

“He decides to start arresting people for various small offences like driving without a seatbelt and things like that,” said Robin. “As you can imagine, he gets into big trouble.”

The Bats Theatre group member said writing the film and winning the award was “just one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”

“I wanted people to get a lot of entertainment value out of the film and obviously they did. The awards were livestreamed so people around the world were watching. The recognition means people enjoyed our work and appreciated the film and our ideas.”

The Awards were held in Kampala, Uganda earlier this month and were live streamed due to Covid restrictions.

• Robin can be contacted at rjnicolle@hotmail.com.