By Frankey
Homebodies
Directed by: Yianni Warnock
Running time: 13 minutes
Set to a generically identifiable suburban Australian backdrop, two seemingly unconnected characters pursue regrettable end goals, only to find that their actions are inexplicably linked. Light-hearted representations of rather serious themes provide a fleeting glimpse into what is ultimately a tragic state of affairs. In the end, it’s enlightening enough to provide some real perspective into one’s own introspection.
Dream Baby
Directed by: Lucy Gaffy
Running time: 15 minutes
A young girl’s unwavering ambition to succeed for herself in light of a damaging and restrictive upbringing delivers a warmth and admiration that reaches the depths of the heart. Well-paced and beautifully shot, character complexity and development is surprisingly impressive. Here is a character that is both memorable and inspiring, compelling a welcomed smile.
My best Friend is Stuck on the Ceiling
Directed by: Matt Vesely
Running time: 10 minutes
Corny jokes and exhausted tropes combine into a disappointingly predictable and tacky flow, with only very rare moments of creative flair. The film labours through an awkward meeting of boy and girl, while an irritable barista contributes to the ensemble of unlikable characters.
Black Chook
Directed by: Dylan River
Running time: 11 minutes
There’s a strong and important message underlying the dramatic tone of this film. But the inability to fashion memorable characters, or to adequately portray the significance of the events that haunt a man’s search for meaning, mars an otherwise well-acted series of performances.
Trespass
Directed by: Mirrah Foulkes
Running time: 12 minutes
Here is a rather fleeting yet rewarding glimpse into a remarkable event in a woman’s life as she walks her dog through a nature park. Tight angles and clever editing contribute to its appeal. There’s a comfortably slow burn into a strange climax that feels intriguing enough to give you pause.
Upside Down Feeling
Directed by: Eddie White
Running time: 10 minutes
A recognisable reinterpretation provides the basis for an interesting concept that is presented in a way that is loaded with thematic symbolism, but unfortunately feels a little flat by the end of it all. Hints of charm feel minimal despite a world of potential.
Tinseltown
Directed by: Corrie Chen
Running time: 10 minutes
An extremely brief insight into the lives of the Chinese individuals behind much of the Christmas materialism of the Western world. Shown through the light of a young woman, it’s a revealing look at the origins of something many of us overlook.
A Terrible Beauty
Directed by: Sarah-Jane Woulahan
Running time: 12 minutes
Drawn, laboured, and unrefined. Science-fiction can be hit and miss, and this proves that it takes more than special effects to improve on a beaten concept. Perhaps too ambitious to squeeze into a short film, there is limited room to breathe or to develop any kind of genuine empathy for the main protagonist.
Welcome Home Allen
Directed by: Andrew Kavanagh
Running time: 11 minutes
Intriguing enough from the first scene into its final climax to maintain a lulled curiosity that’s rewarding on a tepid level at best. Muted by an absence of dialogue, there’s probably enough here to proffer something new and creative, but it’s nothing particularly outstanding.
The Urban Scrapbook 