AFTRS productions continue a successful run on film festivals this year, with screenings at film festivals worldwide, from Australia to Cannes and Los Angeles. Brisbane International Film Festival and Adelaide Film Festival are returning this week, adding to the festivals celebrating AFTRS student shorts, marking another impressive year for AFTRS talent.
Two Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production films are debuting on the big screen this week. Thornton will have its world premiere at the Brisbane International Film Festival, and Tough Love will premiere at the Adelaide Film Festival, with three AFTRS productions also joining the program. In addition to screenings, AFTRS alum Lisa Scott will attend the AFF Youth Gala.
Earlier in October, five films represented AFTRS in France at the Antipodes Saint-Tropez Film Festival, including the world premiere of A Little Bag for Me. Flore Vallery-Radot (director of A Little Bag for Me) and Nodira Islam (composer of Call it Anything) attended the festival, which included five AFTRS productions on its program.
Here’s the roundup:
BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) returns from 24 October to 3 November across iconic Brisbane venues. Over 11 days, the program showcases 40 feature films and 40 short films from around the world, alongside filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and special student events.
Thornton, a Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production short directed by Barney Wilson and produced by Melika Azimi, will make its world premiere Sunday, 27 October, with a second screening Sunday, 3 November, playing before the feature The Dead Don’t Hurt.
The short is a neo-noir crime drama exploring the character of Richard Thornton, a notorious Sydney gang leader, who meets two lawyers with a high-stakes proposition. Set in the dark shadows of night, the film delves into themes of loyalty, power, and survival, where the consequences of refusal may be deadly.
Thornton is a proof of concept set out to create a story with a simple premise that delves into complex characters. Barney explains the production inception:
“Writing a crime drama has always been a personal interest, and AFTRS provided the perfect platform and opportunity for me to express myself and refine the ideas I had for this story. I immediately knew Thornton should be a uniquely Australian film. As a writer-director, I felt confident in my ability to speak to Australian audiences, as well as provide a fresh and exciting dynamic that I feel we need more on our screens at home.”
He explains the importance of condensing the character dynamics in such a short time frame.
“With a runtime of just three minutes, I wanted to immerse the audience in the heart of the story right from the beginning. Developing these character dynamics during the writing process was an exciting journey, and being on set with a fantastic cast and crew made the experience even more rewarding. Thornton reminded me of my passion for storytelling and convinced me that it could evolve into a larger story in the future.”
Melika Azimi, the producer behind the film, adds:
“In close collaboration with our writer-director, Barney, we aimed to craft a proof of concept that would immerse the audience in a tense and gritty underworld, where power dynamics shift with every word exchanged. Together, we worked hard to ensure that the script’s tension and character interplay were effectively translated on screen. This involved undergoing a rigorous casting process to ensure the right actors were casted for the three roles.”
She explains how the crew was fundamental in bringing the vision to screen and how the different skills elevated the final result.
“From the get-go, our heads of departments had ambitious plans for the execution of the project, which meant organisation and maintaining clear communication was paramount for the project to move ahead smoothly. The experience of producing this film was challenging yet rewarding, which not only showcased our team’s capabilities, but also opened the door to expanding this concept into a larger narrative.”
Melika shares the crew’s excitement about the world premiere at BIFF.
“Our team is excited to showcase this original proof-of-concept, brought to life by a talented, multicultural crew, to a diverse audience on such an esteemed platform. We hope this premiere marks the beginning of a larger journey for Thornton, inspiring more projects within the crime/thriller genre in Australia.”
BIFF also features works from AFTRS alumni, including 10 Canoes, Aquarius, In Vitro, and The Moogai:
10 Canoes
In Australia’s Northern Territory, a man tells us a story of his people and his land. It’s about an older man, Minygululu, who has three wives and realizes that his younger brother Dayindi may try to steal away the youngest wife.
- Rolf de Heer (1979, Diploma Directing)
Aquarius
The age of Aquarius floods into Nimbin in this radical, love-fuelled documentary exploring the lasting impact of a 1970s counterculture crucible.
- Sam Griffin (2017, MA Arts and Business)
- Justine Kerrigan (1996, BA Cinematography)
In Vitro
A disturbing secret threatens a couple’s relationship in this rural-set sci-fi thriller starring Succession’s Ashley Zukerman.
- Tom McKeith (2010, Graduate Diploma: Directing (Fiction & Non Fiction)
- Rebecca Sawyer (2020, Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production)
- Tara Webb (2011, Graduate Diploma in Sound)
The Moogai
Jon Bell expands his MIFF 2020 Best Australian Short Film winner into a feature-length horror steeped in the trauma of the Stolen Generations.
- Bethany Ryan (2012, Grad Dip Production Design)
- Serena Siow (2019, BA Production)
ADELAIDE FILM FESTIVAL
Running concurrently with BIFF from 23 October to 3 November, the Adelaide Film Festival (AFF) showcases an eclectic mix of local and international films, premieres, and immersive experiences.
The world premiere of Tough Love, produced by the Bachelor of Arts Year 3 cohort of 2023, stands out in this year’s AFF lineup. This gripping film explores the impact of trauma bonds and dysfunctional family dynamics, offering a raw depiction of neglected youth and the critical role of strong support systems.
Following its world premiere at SXSW Sydney, Set Menu will make its South Australian premiere at AFF. This Master of Arts Screen production follows Frances, a diner who strikes an unexpected deal with a stranger at an exclusive restaurant to access the coveted set menu.
Also screening at AFF is Finding Jia, a heartfelt story about a young immigrant navigating the cultural gap between her traditional family and the Western ideals she sees on TV. Co-funded by AFTRS, the South Australian Film Corporation, and Screen Australia, this Talent Camp production has already gained acclaim, including Best Screenplay and Best Music Composition at the South Australian Screen Awards.
In addition to screenings, AFTRS will host a special networking function for industry professionals during AFF. AFTRS alum Lisa Scott will also attend the AFF Youth Gala on Thursday, 31 October, to present an award and engage with emerging South Australian filmmakers.
AFF also features works from AFTRS alumni and faculty, including Make it Look Real, Every Little Thing, Aquarius and A Daydream with Fini:
Make it Look Real
Claire Warden is a pioneering intimacy coordinator, working with filmmakers and actors to produce the illusion of sex on screen. Hired to work on a new Australian film, Tightrope, Claire is apprehensive about how the director, Kieran Darcy-Smith, will respond to her presence on set
- Kate Blackmore (MAS Documentary lecturer)
- Bethany Bruce (MAS Producing lecturer)
Aquarius
The age of Aquarius floods into Nimbin in this radical, love-fuelled documentary exploring the lasting impact of a 1970s counterculture crucible.
- Sam Griffin (2017, MA Arts and Business)
- Justine Kerrigan (1996, BA Cinematography)
Every Little Thing
In this big-hearted, visually dazzling documentary, a Los Angeles teacher takes time off to nurture injured hummingbirds and finds herself on an uplifting journey.
- Jessica Wells (2004, Master of Arts: Film, Television and Digital Media Screen Composition)
- Caitlin Yeo (2002, Graduate Diploma of Screen Composition)
A Daydream With Fini
On a sweltering summer’s day, two elderly friends talk about work, travel and dreams.
- Grace Tan (2021 Master of Arts Screen)
ANTIPODES SAINT-TROPEZ FILM FESTIVAL
Earlier this month, AFTRS productions were represented at the Festival Antipodes Saint-Tropez, which took place from 9 to 13 October and showcased the best Australian and New Zealand cinema. AFTRS alumni Flore Vallery-Radot and Nodira Islam attended, where their work on A Little Bag for Me and Call it Anything was celebrated.
A Master of Arts Screen documentary, A Little Bag for Me, is a heartwarming story about an 11-year-old girl navigating puberty. As Leonore gears up for the transformative milestone that is her first period, she embarks on a rollercoaster of self-discovery. Her mother, Flore, is determined to protect Leonore from her own negative experience by preparing her ahead of time. Accompanied by their family, the duo navigates puberty’s cringe-worthy and beautiful aspects, dismantling stereotypes with humour and heart, capturing the magic of growing up.
Flore co-directed A Little Bag for Me with her daughter Leonore Addison, she explains:
“As Leonore was approaching the age of her first period, I was wondering if there was something I could do to improve her experience so she can live in harmony with her body. I had the idea to create a film with her, documenting our efforts to communicate better and to talk openly about the changes she was about to face. “
Leonore adds:
“I decided to make this film with my mum because I wanted to help girls all around the world feel more comfortable with their body and mind while growing up. As a co-director, my task was to choose who to invite into our house to discuss puberty and write down all the questions I asked during the discussions with my family. I wanted to learn from their experience and struggles growing up.”
Flore and Leonore attended the festival.
“Saint-Tropez’ Festival des Antipodes was the ideal place for my daughter Leonore (13) and me to show our film to a French public for the first time. Our 30-minute documentary is a very personal story. It shows candidly how we discuss important things of life, mixing both French and English, blending serious matters with hilarious details,” said Flore about the screening.
“After the screening, we were stopped in the streets of Saint-Tropez by keen viewers: school teachers and also groups of high school students who wanted to ask us questions about our process and thank us for making puberty such a fun subject with important didactic touches. Along the streets of this iconic French town, we met young women who shared their experiences with us. It was a dream come true: making this film a tool to open a kind and considerate discussion around taboo subjects.”
Other AFTRS productions screening at Saint-Tropez includes Bottleneck, Pasifika Drift, Call it Anything and Withered Blossoms.
Bottleneck is a Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production short film that follows a group of friends whose day, meant to celebrate new life, takes a dark turn. The film had its world premiere at the Aesthetica Short Film Festival in London and its Australian Premiere at Flickerfest International Short Film Festival. It was also screened at the Revelation Perth International Film Festival.
Pasifika Drift is a short film about a young Papua New Guinean/Australian man who turns to crime to support his pregnant girlfriend. A proud Papua New Guinean woman then challenges him to reconnect with his cultural roots and heritage. The film has been shown globally, including at the LA Shorts International Film Festival, Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival in Ottawa (Canada), Native Spirit Film Festival, Mparttwe Alice Springs International Film Festival, Māoriland Film Festival in New Zealand, and the Darwin International Film Festival. It will also be screened in Sydney at the Pasifika Film Fest at Riverside Theatre on Saturday, November 2.
Call it Anything is a short film about a son struggling to express his feelings to his mother. To convey what he cannot put into words, he enlists three musicians to translate his emotions into music, embarking on a personal journey that explores the complexity of emotions through the ecstasy of musical performance. The film has been shown at SXSW Sydney at NSW House and the Adelaide Film Festival 2023.
Withered Blossoms is a Cantonese and English-language short film that follows a young woman who, after hiding her separation from a long-term partner, visits her grandmother, who is facing the challenges of aging. The film uses the slow cinema style to gently explore their relationship. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the La Cinef competition, had its Australian debut at the Sydney Film Festival, and was also shown at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
Saint-Tropez also features works from AFTRS alumni, including The New Boy, Head South and The Giants.
The New Boy
A nine-year-old Aboriginal Australian orphan boy arrives in the dead of night at a remote monastery run by a renegade nun.
- Warwick Thornton (1995, Bachelor of Arts, Film & Television, Cinematography)
Head South
A charming autobiographical valentine to coming of age in New Zealand during the height of punk, which was the 2024 International Film Festival Rotterdam opening-night film.
- Jonathan Ogilve (1989, Certificate Video)
The Giants
A documentary exploring the linked destinies of trees and humans in the gripping portrait of Bob Brown, former Green senator from Tasmania.
- Sherwin Akbarzadeh (2011, Graduate Diploma Cinematography)
Stay tuned for more updates on AFTRS productions and the emerging talent behind the films!
A Little Bag For Me
Director/Producer/Cinematographer – Flore Vallery-Radot
Co-Director – Leonore Addison
Co-Producer – Marco Alexiadis
Editor – Jessie Hildebrand
Sound Supervisor – Weronika Raźna
Composer – Gerard Nicholls
Camera Operator – Anna McGirr and Kevin Nguyen
Intimacy Co-Ordinator/Consultant – Michela Carattini
Bottleneck
Writer/Producer – Benji Menday
Director – Tatjana Hamilton
Co-Producer – Madeleine Jurd
Cinematographer – Aemon Barzanji
Production Designer – Chris Le Page
Editor – Jarrod Young
Sound Recordist – Charlie Davies
Sound Designer – Neel Shukla
Composer – Jesse Boyle
Call It Anything
Director/Producer – Melvin Kwong
Cinematographer – Jesse Phillips
Editor – Izzat Nadeem
Sound – Samuel Turner
Music – Nodira Islam
Pasifika Drift
Writer – Natasha Henry
Director – Alana Hicks
Producer – Charles Olsen
Cinematographer – Benjamin Bellette
Production Designers – Zoe Benjamin and Shraddha Birla
Costume Designer – Sandra Falesita
Editors – Ben Nunney and Sam Grammer
Music – Sophia Christopher
Sound Supervisor – Ashkan Suren
Casting Directors – Stephanie Pringle and Alison Fowler
Set Menu
Director – Lindsay McDonald
Story by/Producer – Neisha Dallamora
Screenwriter – Lindsay McDonald and Roslyn Zhang
Cinematographer – Sam Bader
Composer – Carla Dobbie
Editor – Harrison Finch
Production and Costume Designer – Sheree Tam
Sound Designer – Luke O’Loughlin
Thornton
Writer/Director – Barney Wilson
Producer – Melika Azimi
Cinematographer – Tom Xiao
Production Designer – Charli Bowers
Editor – Enrico Lerda
Sound – Akamjot Singh
Tough Love
Director/Writer – Zoe Dubuc
Producer – Emilie Ziolkowski
Cinematographer – Myles Carroll
Production Designer – Sophia Walcott
Editor – Zoe Dubuc
Sound Designer/Composer – Ben Siva
Withered Blossoms
Director – Lionel Seah
Producer – Miki Clarke
Screenwriter – Lionel Seah
Cinematographer – T Oxford
Composer – Kevin Chan
Editor – Jack Needle
Production Designer – Jordan Taylor
Key Cast – Stella Ye, Rachel Young
