Tropfest Winner

Congratulations to Michelle Lehman on winning the Tropfest 1st Prize for "Marry Me". She was announced by Geoffrey Rush and she looked absolutely beautiful. Well Done Michelle!
Congratulations also to Jahla Bryant for winning Best Actor in "Marry Me".

Labour of love as Tropfest prize goes to mother-to-be

Garry Maddox Film Writer
February 18, 2008

MICHELLE LEHMAN was the most breathless winner in Tropfest history in the Domain late last night.

Not only was the Leichhardt filmmaker delighted that at the world's biggest short film festival she was presented with the main prize by Geoffrey Rush, she is also eight months pregnant.

"My adrenalin is going mental," she said.

Lehman's film, Marry Me, is a comedy about a small girl who tries to impress a boy who is more interested in his BMX bike. The film's star, Jahla Bryant, 10, was named best actress at the festival.

Exert taken from SMH.
Images grabs from live Tropfest footage by Nine


And the Tropfest winners are ...

MICHELLE Lehman said she hoped the shock of winning this year's Tropfest short film festival wouldn't cause her to go into labour.

Lehman's entry Marry Me took out the top prize at the 16th annual Tropfest tonight, billed as the world's largest short film fetival.

Mark Constable's entry Uncle Jonny took out second place, while Great White Hunters, directed by Gary Doust was third.

A heavily pregnant Lehman told a big crowd in Sydney's Domain the production team had "worked so hard on this film".

Due to give birth to her first child in a month's time, Adelaide-born Lehman, who now lives in Sydney, said she was blown away by the win.

"I've always been here at Tropfest in the audience, but this is my first time I've made an entry," the 34-year-old said.

There were six main players in the production of Marry Me, which cost about $5000 to make, Lehman said.

The film, described as a little love story, was inspired by Lehman's childhood and her memory of chasing a boy round a schoolyard.

"He never wanted to marry me ... I'm glad about that now," she said.

Part2
Thousands gathered in Sydney's Domain last night for the screening of the festival's 16 finalists, won by 34-year-old expectant mother and director Michelle Lehman, who hoped the win wouldn't send her into labour.

Lehman's entry, Marry Me, took the top prize at the 16th annual Tropfest, billed as the world's largest short film festival.

"Oh my God, I hope this doesn't send me into labour," a delighted Ms Lehman said as she accepted her award.

The film, described as a little love story, was inspired by Ms Lehman's childhood and her memory of chasing a boy around a schoolyard.

"I used to chase Jason Mahooney around school in my mum's nightie, which I used as a wedding dress," Ms Lehman said.

"He never wanted to marry me ... I'm glad about that now."

Ms Lehman, who is eight months pregnant with her first child, said she had been in the Tropfest audience for years but this was the first time she had submitted an entry.

About 15 people were involved with the production of Marry Me, but there were five "main players", said Ms Lehman of her $5000 short.

The Tropfest first prize, presented by Australian screen star Geoffrey Rush, includes a film scholarship trip to the US, with a program of meetings with industry agents and executives.

"Baby or no baby, it won't stop me from going to the US," Ms Lehman said. "I've got a very supportive husband who is also a filmmaker."

Tropfest shares stage with Ledger
Article from:AAP
Daily Telegraph