I JUST WANNA PLAY FOOTY

Footy film a festival finalist

6 AUG 2008 @ 03:53PM BY MICHAEL ROGERS

TAMARAMA film-maker Michael McIntyre’s passion for Australian Rules football has put him in the running to win a prize at this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival.

McIntyre is one of 11 finalists in a special category created to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first recorded game of Australian Rules football.

His five-minute film tracks the experiences of his son Piripi’s first year of Auskick at the East Sydney clinic held in Paddington.

Piripi, 8, narrates the film, which features Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos giving some tips on footy to the local youngsters.

“This is his first year of Auskick and he’s absolutely loving it,” McIntyre said. “He’s got me out the backyard, having a kick every night.”

McIntyre said the film was inspired by the “community aspect” of the Auskick clinic, and the competition’s theme: What footy means to me.

The winner will be announced in Melbourne on Thursday night