Sweet As – Opening Night

With problems on the home front, 16-year-old Murra (Shantae Barnes Cowan) is on the verge of lashing out. That is, until her policeman uncle thwarts her self-destructive behaviour with a lifeline: a “photo-safari for at-risk kids”. Murra isn’t entirely convinced, but she soon joins cantankerous Kylie, uptight Sean, happy-go-lucky Elvis, and camp counsellors Fernando and Michelle on a transformative bus trip to the Pilbara. On the trail, the teens learn about fun, friendship and first crushes, as well as the forces of ‘reality’ that puncture the bubble of youth.

Winner of the prestigious NETPAC award at Toronto International Film Festival and the Blackmagic Digital Australian Innovation Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival, Sweet As is the inspiring and uplifting first feature by Nyul Nyul/Yawuru director Jub Clerc (Storytime, MWFF 2019). Partially inspired by her own experience, Clerc’s film showcases resilience, self-discovery and connection through friendship.

Screens with Sista (2021)

16 minutes, English, Samoan

A betrayal of trust between two sisters on the cusp of adolescence sets off a chain of events that has the potential to shatter their relationship forever. Chantelle Burgoyne's Sista is a well crafted depiction of trust between two Samoan sisters and their connection to aiga (family).

Director: Chantelle Burgoyne, Writers: Leilani Tamu, Chantelle Burgoyne, Producer: Marina Alofagia McCartney

Ticket prices include access to the party after the screening.