Leo Notarianni loves the film industry.

Over the years he has been involved in 10 productions in various roles, including actor, director and writer.

As a native of north-east Victoria, he always loved to be a part of the Benalla Short Film Festival.

So, after hearing about Philip Lemin, who was writing, directing and producing a film for the 2025 Benalla Shorts, called Timeless Beauties, he offered his services as a vintage car co-ordinator.

Timeless Beauties is set in two time periods: modern day, and the 1970s.

Having already been involved in one Benalla Short Film Festival award winner, One Love, which was also set across two time periods, Leo felt Timeless Beauties was right up his street.

One Love, by Benalla director Charles William, took out the Local Encouragement Award and the People's Choice award at the Benalla Short Film Festival in 2020.

And Leo hopes Timeless Beauties is also an award winner.

“I saw an advertisement from a person looking for an 80s car,“ Leo said.

“I specialise in period style vintage props. I do some location scouting and vintage car co-ordinating.

“I also do some acting, but I specialise in helping to recreate that vintage feel, so I replied to the ad.”

Leo said he was given the opportunity to work on the production and wanted to do all he could to recreate Victoria as it looked decades ago.

“Once I saw some of the costumes that they were using and that it was going to be filmed at a very green field near a private school, I realised that I would have to turn the clock back to the early 70s to match the outfits.

“I sourced a car, a 1967 Mercedes 250SE, which was beautifully restored.

“I carefully selected that vehicle because it had a couple of scratches; and cars in those days, even if they're only four or five years old, had scratches.

“So I didn't want something in absolutely perfect condition.

“Using that car, I could help turn the clock back to an earlier time.”

Leo said he drew inspiration from Hollywood blockbuster, The Godfather Part II.

“It had numerous flashbacks, constantly going back and forth,” he said.

“I’m fascinated with timelines and the way it is set as a prequel as well as a sequel.”

Leo said he hopes cinema fans and Benalla Short Film Festival attendees enjoy Timeless Beauties, and appreciate the attention to detail in flashback scenes.

The 11th national and international Benalla Short Film Festival will have its premier and awards ceremony on November 9, 2025 at the Benalla Cinema on Mair St.

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Monday, 10th July 2023

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