Film
Mackenzie Bliss
Sandringham College, Sandringham
Bunurong Country
Good-Guy
Comedy, 5 min
In an attempt to escape his own weakness and break free from average teenage life, Henry takes on the hero persona of the Blue Guardian. As his vigilante attempt unfolds with increasing hilarity, it becomes clear that Henry may not live up to the superhero archetype.
In making Good-Guy, I wanted to create a comedy that would explore and mock the idea of comic-inspired vigilantes in real life. I hoped to achieve this by subverting the superhero genre with a bleak and naturalistic comedic style, inspired by films such as The Art of Self-Defence and Thunder Road.
Koko Crozier
Methodist Ladies' College, Kew
Wurundjeri Country
Hereafter
Horror, 6 min
A young girl awakes to find that her family is missing. As she navigates her secluded farmhouse in their pursuit, she is confronted by a series of supernatural events. The manifestations escalate in disturbing fashion as a macabre reality unfolds.
In making this film, I hoped to create a cinematic experience that both satisfies and challenges the audience's expectations. Inspired by the directorial work of James Wan and Ari Aster, I aimed to instil a sense of hope and beauty into the notion of death.
Eva de Carvalho Koch
Bialik College, Hawthorn
Wurundjeri Country
The Abandoned Tour
Animation, 2 min
This cautionary film follows a perishing cable car along its melancholy route. It explores a crumbling city ravaged by the devastating effects of human overpopulation, consumption and greed. There is a vast wasteland that resides beyond the fenced perimeter.
In creating and modelling this 3D animation using Blender, I hoped to explore a dystopian city where the remains of humanity are hemmed into an overpopulated city-like hub. I aimed to show the overwhelming effects of materialism and consequent pollution, ultimately presenting a cautionary tale.
Lazar Feldman
Wesley College, Melbourne
Bunurong Country
Pet Problems
Coming-of-age, 5 min
Mira is a five-year-old prep student faced with the impossible challenge of having to bring a non-existent pet to school for upcoming 'Bring your Pet to School Day'. After discussing with her siblings why she does not have a pet, she investigates how to find one.
In devising this film, I aimed to honour the innocence of childhood and celebrate the stories of Australian suburban landscapes. Inspired by the corpus of Australian content canonised by Glendyn Ivin, I drew on the universality of 'fitting in'. The film straddles a fine line between comedy and tragedy, ultimately presenting a story of hope.
Alice Huxtable
Fitzroy High School, Fitzroy North
Wurundjeri Country
Space
Animation, Drama, 5 min
A child's passion to become an astronaut leads to play and bonding with his mum. As he grows up, the child loses his passion and curiosity, and drifts apart from the parent. He gets caught up in the stress and fast pace of adult life, ending up isolated in a dull office job.
When making this film, I hoped to create an emotive story that can connect with a wide range of audiences and challenge the decisions we make and who we leave behind because of them. Inspired by Christmas adverts and Pixar short films, I wanted to instil a sense of nostalgia and emotion in the audience.
Sam Huybers
Scotch College Melbourne, Hawthorn
Wurundjeri Country
Grow Up
Action, Comedy, 7 min
Grow Up aims to tackle the pressures of adulthood on teenagers through the symbolism of video games. The film uses animation to bring these video games to life and represent the typical teenager attempting to grow up and leave behind the things they once enjoyed.
My film aimed to represent my adoration for retro video games and how they may not be appreciated as 'regular' adult hobbies. I wanted to visually represent the energetic perspective of children on life, with visuals inspired by Edgar Wright, specifically Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Elizabeth Ives
Loreto Mandeville Hall, Toorak
Wurundjeri Country
These Walls
Music Video, 7 min
These Walls is an indie music video that juxtaposes flashbacks to the warmth, hope and joy of youth with depictions of the unfulfilled and loss-tainted present of the young protagonist. It highlights the demoralising fears of individuals on the precipice of adulthood.
Having also written and produced the song, I sought to create a visual and aural representation of the fear of regret and failed potential of my generation, hesitating on the precipice of the ‘freedom' of adulthood. Inspired by Xavier Dolan, I wanted to achieve this in an intimate and highly symbolic way.
Erin Kim
Templestowe College, Templestowe Lower
Wurundjeri Country
The Flower in Me
Animation, 3 min
Insecure about the flower buds on her antlers not having bloomed like her other peers, Bom struggles with self-acceptance. Her self-doubt transforms into the physical form of a shadow creature that consumes Bom, until her friend Pangie rescues her.
For my animation, I was inspired to create a story of self-acceptance and celebration from the song ‘Outro:Ego’ by j-hope of BTS. To represent this in a story without dialogue, I decided to use the character’s physical form to develop the character.
Beatrice Lane-Smailes
Wesley College, St Kilda
Bunurong Country
Candle
Music Video, Action, 6 min
After a night out, a woman leaves her friend and walks home alone. She is stalked by a man lurking in the dark, who does not know the woman is actually a witch. With her powers, she is able to stay one step ahead.
In creating this music video, I intended to empower young women to live their lives without the fear of a male figure lurking in the background. Inspired by the auteurship of Edgar Wright, I created a fast-paced film to reflect the rapidly changing ideology of women's rights and growing strength behind the movement.
Alissa Mohamed
Narre Warren South P–12 College, Narre Warren South
Bunurong Country
Strings
Fantasy, Thriller, 6 min
One night, a random puppet-show ticket is thrown into a young girl's room. After going to sleep, the girl is awoken by her imaginary friend and guided to the puppet show. Her friend then performs a dance routine and ‘welcomes’ the young girl onto the stage.
In making this film, I wanted to depict how people can be controlled by their own fantasies or imaginations. Through the imaginary friend, I hoped to portray the nature in which these fantasies take hold of a child. Inspired by Tim Burton and the aesthetic of Coraline, I aspired to twist the audience's minds and show how 'curiosity kills the cat'.
Bailey Parrôt
St Leonard's College, Brighton East
Bunurong Country
Don & Donna
Animation, Coming-of-age, 5 min
Don & Donna explores the concepts of unexpected friendship, cartoon nostalgia and basic human connection. It follows Donna, a young adult, and Don, an old man – two roommates who learn to share their wisdom and experiences with each other.
In making this animation, I endeavoured to promote the value of unexpected friendships. I aimed to encourage open-mindedness and create visual appeal for the audience, and was inspired by the work of Pixar Animation Studios and director Greta Gerwig.
Kyle Patocs
Kilvington Grammar School, Ormond
Bunurong Country
Laneways
Documentary, 6 min
A group of volunteers in Carnegie, Melbourne transform dark, gloomy laneways into vibrant outdoor art walkways. One of the founding members, Kirsten, details the journey from just wanting to clean up an alleyway to becoming a widespread community-based phenomenon.
In making this film, I hoped to create a documentary that highlights how one small idea can have a huge positive impact on a community. By documenting the past, present and future of these laneways, I wanted to instil a sense of positivity in the audience.
Ariel Reyes
Swinburne Senior Secondary College, Hawthorn
Wurundjeri Country
Awakening
Drama, 10 min
Awakening is a journey of self-discovery and acceptance through the eyes of Beau, an 18-year-old male struggling to overcome his romantic desires for his ex-girlfriend Eli. Only Marco, a childhood best friend, is able to comfort and lead Beau in the right direction.
In creating this film, I aimed to create a realistic drama about the importance of supportive relationships, particularly among males. I wanted to create a narrative that adolescents can relate to, and was inspired by Beautiful Boy and Babyteeth for their drama-based narratives and supportive relationships.
Amelia Wilkinson
Northcote High School, Northcote
Wurundjeri Country
Leaving Meaning
Documentary, 4 min
This personal documentary centres around my father, Nathan Wilkinson. It explores his day-to-day life, showing a holistic take, including his art, work and family.
In producing this film, I hoped to create a heartfelt and poetic film that embodies what goes on behind-the-scenes and in the mind of my father, Nathan. Influenced by programs such as Australian Story, this documentary hopes to inspire appreciation for Nathan and his art.
Finn Woodlock
Billanook College, Mooroolbark
Wurundjeri Country
Puppet Show
Thriller, 6 min
Bored and locked in her house, GIRL is tired of her life, tired of being dismissed and tired of not being understood. Most importantly, she is tired of being treated like a child. On a day like every other day, IT shows up. Who is IT? Why is IT here? What does IT want?
In making this film, I hoped to showcase the complexities of adulthood and the constant desire of kids wanting to grow up, not realising the bliss of childhood. Through the thriller genre, I wanted this sense of growing up to be portrayed as a horror.
Bailey Zervaas
Berwick College, Berwick
Bunurong Country
Been Here Before
Animation, Thriller, 4 min
A man's life is threatened as the clock approaches midnight and an unknown figure is out for his blood. When meeting his grim fate, the man is given a second chance to relive the day and attempt to survive with the foresight he is given.
In making this film, I intended to create a thrilling narrative and visually impressive experience. I wanted to get the audience invested by incorporating action and mystery elements. I was inspired by sci-fi and thriller narratives and anime series like Steins Gate.
