18:00
Duration : 9:00 min
Welcome Speech & Introductions
HOSTS FOR THE NIGHT
18:09
Duration : 1:00 min
WELCOME TO COUNTRY
18:10
Duration : 12:00 min
Director: Travis Akbar
Producer: Adam Gerard
SA
HONOURABLE MENTION
LOGLINE:
After returning to Australia from the failed Gallipoli campaign, A First Nations soldier faces scrutiny that forces him to question his choices, identity, and future.
18:22
Duration : 5:00 min
Director: Aiman Malik
Producer: Cain Howlett
SA
HONOURABLE MENTION
LOGLINE:
Four wacky flower-faced forest-dwelling cultists are faced with a devastating dilemma. Hysterical, they go on a quest to collect 8 occult ingredients to summon a demon to grant them a wish.
18:27
Duration : 8:12 min
Director: Suzanne Whiteman
Producer: Andy Bambach
NSW
BEST DIVERSE STORY
LOGLINE:
Simi a young woman with disabilities communicates in many different ways from making sounds and gestures to using conversation cards and new technologies. She enjoys getting out into nature, dancing, creating art, connecting with friends and being involved in decisions that affect her.
18:36
Duration : 5:00 min
Director: Rahul Pawar
Producer: Rahul Pawar
INDIA
HONOURABLE MENTION
LOGLINE:
A diverse group of individuals grappling with addiction is brought together for an unconventional therapy session. Under the guidance of their mentor, they are thrust into a high-stakes confrontation with their cravings.
WARNING
This short film contains scenes with gun violence and loud noises that may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. You can exit the cinema for the duration of the film (6 minutes) if required.
18:41
Duration : 8:51 min
Director: Sue Healey
Producer: Tamzin Nugent Nugent
ACT
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
LOGLINE:
And… Breathe represents our breath, our land, our voice, a community driven love letter to Canberra, Canberra’s people and Canberra’s future. Arising from the ashes of the bush fires and speaking to the empowering nature of community connection And… Breathe moves the body and mind towards a cleaner future for people of all ages and abilities.
18:50
Duration : 10:00 min
BREAK
18:59
Duration : 2:52 min
Director: Mark Russel Bernard
Producer: Sketchnkustom
Melbourne
HONOURABLE MENTION
LOGLINE:
‘New Life’ is the story and journey of a young person’s progression in life amidst war and diversity. The main character of the story has faced more hurt than love and therefore would rather look away and not deal with the pain – a new life is what’s needed to change this perspective.
19:02
Duration : 3:00 min
Director: Luis Figueredo
Producer: Danny Pryp
NSW
HONOURABLE MENTION
LOGLINE:
A music video by Human Productions featuring Danny Pryp and Annabela. ‘Wateke’ is an original song performed by Danny Pryp.
19:05
Duration : 12:30 min
Director: Lucas Frison
Producer: Lucas Frison
Canada
NOMINEE BEST ACTOR
LOGLINE:
A young man with Down syndrome pursues a romantic relationship with his pen pal.
19:18
Duration : 6:12 min
Director: Alexia Tsouni
Producer: FemArtAct
Greece
HONOURABLE MENTION
LOGLINE:
When Israeli bulldozers arrived at her Bedouin village to demolish her home, 14-year-old Palestine refugee girl Salha called on her flying lamb Hantush to take her somewhere far away…
19:25
Duration : 7:39 min
Director: Genevieve Clay Smith
Producer: Dianna La Grassa
NSW
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
LOGLINE:
Elle and Luke meet each other on the way to their respective blind dates – their chance encounter unexpectedly turns their evening upside down.
19:33
Duration : 9:50 min
Director: Martha Goddard
Producer: Dianna La Grassa
NSW
BEST ACTOR
LOGLINE:
Sarah is a talented dancer, and a terrible delivery driver on the verge of being fired. After another disheartening casting rejection, Sarah’s driving ratings continue to crash, along with her morale. But with the day’s final delivery comes an unexpected magical moment, refueling Sarah’s passion for dance.
19:43
Duration : 14:40 min
Director: Yogi Devgan
Producer: Yogi Devgan
SA
DLi LOCAL HERO
STEPHAN COARD
LOGLINE:
After battling addiction, mental illness, and homelessness, Stephan Coard embraces hope, spreading his message to smile. “Smile It’s Free” showcases human resilience
WARNING
This short film contains themes of suicide, self-harm and loneliness that may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. You can exit the cinema for the film’s duration (15 minutes) if required.
VOTE
AUDIENCE AWARD
20:00
Duration : 20:00 min
AWARD CEREMONY
FESTIVAL CONCLUDES