Shorts Outback, a unique event under the stars showcasing the best of Australian short film, has found a new home at the Wilpena Pound Resort in the Flinders Ranges.

To be held on Saturday 17th November in the shadow of the resort’s famous gum tree, Shorts Outback will screen the pick of the films from the 2012 Shorts Film Festival, held earlier this year in Adelaide, and selected films from sister festival UK Rushes Soho Shorts.

The partnership with Shorts Outback follows the recent acquisition of the resort by new owners, Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) and the Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association (ATLA).

Wilpena Pound Resort has a history of partnering with successful outdoor events including the famous annual Wilpena under the Stars event, which attracts more than 700 guests every year. It’s hoped that Shorts Outback will become as popular through the new partnership.

Shorts Film Festival Chair Paul Jorgensen said they had selected Wilpena Pound Resort as the event venue as the property represented a strong connection between film and traditional storytelling in the region.

“Bringing Shorts Outback to Wilpena Pound Resort will put the event on the map and create a memorable experience for visitors,” said Mr Jorgensen.

Sally Cope, Director of Sales and Marketing for Anthology, managers of the Resort, said: “We are excited to host this very special event at the Resort. For some years now filmmakers have used the Flinders Ranges region as a backdrop for their movie making. Shorts Outback reinforces these ties and will showcase to our guests how special this part of Australia is.”

Guests will be able to enjoy a relaxing night under the stars, watch short films from Australia’s leading emerging filmmakers and a gourmet BBQ catered for by the Resort.

Visitors to Shorts Outback will have the option of staying onsite at Wilpena Pound Resort and weekend packages have been developed which include food and accommodation and local tours, as an additional option.

Alternatively, visitors can purchase a ticket for Shorts Outback which includes the screening and dinner and then make their own arrangements for accommodation.

Shorts Outback packages at Wilpena Pound Resort start from $165 per person.

Shorts Outback has also been made possible with the support of Shorts Film Festival sponsor Beach Energy who’ve doubled their financial contribution to help underwrite some of the costs associated with staging the event.