Curating the Themes Behind the Film Sets
Curating this year’s selection of short films was a deep dive into storytelling. After watching over 150 films, certain themes stood out, forming the basis for this year’s programming. From the exploration of belonging to the dark humour that lightens heavy topics, these themes echoed through the films and inspired four distinct sets. Here’s a glimpse into each one:

Lost in Translation: Feeling Loved, Feeling Lost, and Everything In Between
This set captures the essence of self-discovery and the search for belonging, much like Sofia Coppola’s cult classic. The films here delve into the emotional turbulence that comes with life’s major changes and crossroads. It’s about finding peace amidst the chaos and understanding ourselves on a deeper level.

Tue 3 Sep 7:30 PM, Orana Cinemas Busselton

Wed 4 Sep 8:15 PM, Margaret River HEART

Duck Soup: Comedy in All Its Forms
Named after the Marx Brothers’ iconic film, this set is a tribute to the golden age of comedy and its evolution into darker, grittier humour. These films use laughter to navigate complex, often difficult, topics, showing how humour can be a powerful tool for addressing life’s challenges.

Wed 4 Sep 6:30 PM, Augusta Community Resource Centre

Thu 5 Sep 6:30 PM, Orana Cinemas Busselton

Sat 7 Sep 6:30 PM, Hoyts Bunbury

The Twilight Zone: Action, Adventure, and Dystopia
Inspired by Rod Serling’s legendary series, this set explores human nature through the lens of action-packed dystopian thrillers. The films delve into the potential downfalls of humanity and the moral dilemmas we face, all while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Fri 6 Sep 7:15 PM, Orana Cinemas Busselton

The Meaning of Life: The Universal Yet Uniquely Australian Journey
Drawing inspiration from Monty Python’s satirical take on life’s stages, this set examines the milestones we all experience—from birth to death, success to failure. These films offer a uniquely Australian perspective on the journey of life, highlighting how our experiences are both universal and deeply personal.

Wed 4 Sep 7:30 PM, Orana Cinemas Busselton

Each set in this year’s program reflects a different facet of human experience, offering audiences a chance to laugh, think, and maybe even see the world a little differently. 

Watch a sneak peek of trailers below and don’t miss the DEADLY SHORTS SETS either! The very best of Indigenous Australian short filmmaking. “Nothing about us, without us.” 

Sun 1 Sep 5:00 PM, Orana Cinemas Busselton

Wed 4 Sep 7:00 PM, Bunbury Rowing Club

Fri 6 Sep 6:30 PM, Margaret River HEART