Shorts from afar: Australian and International
The lights are dimmed and the spotlight is on exceptional films from Australia and around the world. We have selected a diverse range of stories and genres from emerging talent and award winning filmmakers.
Shorts Programme Proudly Presented by the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS)
Hafekasi – Australia
Director
Annelise Hickey
A young girl raised by her single, white mum and disconnected from her Tongan heritage must find her place in a world that’s quick to remind her she doesn’t belong.
IMOAN – Australia
Director
Catherine Kelleher
An artist finds a love doll washed up on a beach and becomes entranced by her… perhaps too entranced as their lives take a strange turn.
Jia – Australia
Director
Vee Shi
Ming, a grieving Chinese mother, arrives in Australia to embark on a road trip with a young Caucasian man to remember a loved one.
Our Males and Females – Jordan
Director
Ahmad Alyaseer
A mother and father are faced with the painful task of washing and shrouding their deceased transgender daughter. When no one agrees to wash her, how far is the father willing to go to make sure his “son” is washed?
Reincarnation Mall – Germany
Director
Eric Giessmann, Piers Goffart
Mr. Grump finds himself in an unusual afterlife: a shopping mall where karma points can purchase a new life. But his lack of points forces him to confront his negative attitude. Can he make amends and earn redemption?
Rizoo – Iran
Director
Azadeh Navai
An eight-year-old Iranian girl is faced with a challenging dilemma; does she take her summer school picture wearing the hijab as her mother insists, or does she follow her own heart and showcase her long hair one last time?
The Old Young Crow – Japan
Director
Liam LoPinto
Mehrdad, now an old man, recalls his mystical encounter with an elderly woman at a graveyard near his elementary school. Through his childhood sketchbook, he reflects on the mystery of her disappearance.
Whale’s Song – France
Director
Neels Castillon
A young mother overcomes her fear to regain her freedom.
