The Young at Heart Filmmaking Workshop welcomed 20 local seniors for 5 days of intense filmmaking at the Rex Community Centre in Kings Cross, in March 2009.

Together, they wrote, shot and edited a 5 minute short film which went on to be shown (out of competition) to a full house at the Young at Heart Short Film Awards a few days later at Dendy Opera Quays. A 5-minute behind the scenes documentary was also made during the workshop.

A complete suite of filmmaking equipment was made available to the participants, including cameras, microphones, lights, reflectors, tripods and 4 iMacs loaded with editing software Final Cut Pro. Three professional workshop leaders were on hand to oversee the process and train the participants: Jack Feldstein (screenwriting), Michael Chrisoulakis and Hayden Topperwien (directing & editing).

The resulting film in 2009 is "STOP THIEF!"

The Young at Heart Filmmaking Workshop is supported by the City of Sydney and Screen NSW.

The Young at Heart Film Festival is presented by The Festivalists and NSW Seniors Week.

For more info on the festival, visit youngatheart.net.au.