Documentary Shorts

Explore identity and cultural connection from Australia’s vibrant nonfiction film scene.

From short films that present unique perspectives on the significance of place and memory, to personal explorations, this selection presents the broad range of nonfiction screen stories emerging from Australian documentary filmmakers.

Films

Ngurrawaana, Dir. Kieran Satour, GARUWA, 2023, 3 mins.
Created by Garuwa & Juluwarlu Art Group, Ngurrawaana follows Yindjibarndi man Wimiya Woodley's immersive journey of self discovery back to his homelands. The film shows how being back on Country helps First Nations people find their spirit and power amongst their ancestors.

Marungka Tjalatjunu (Dipped in Black), Dir. Derik Lynch & Matthew Thorne, 2023, 24 mins.
Marungka tjalatjunu (Dipped in Black) made history in 2023 when it became the first ever film to win the Silver Bear Jury Prize (Short Film) and the Teddy Award for best queer short film at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival. Despite being only 24 mins in duration, it was also the winner of the Documentary Australia Award at the Sydney Film Festival 2023 which included feature docs in competition.

History of the Carabiner, Dir. Gianna Mazzeo, Australia, 2023, 7 mins.
A historical documentary that takes the audience on a journey through queer history to trace the origins of the carabiner as a lesbian symbol.

While We Still Have Time, Dir. Ava Grimshaw-Hall, Australia, 2024, 15 mins.
Nominated for Best Short-Form Documentary at the Australian International Documentary Conference, While We Still Have Time follows director Ava Grimshaw-Hall who embarks on a poignant journey to connect with her sperm-donor father John, as he battles aggressive cancer.

Through These Crossings, Dir. Henry Gosper & Cameron Trafford, Australia, 11 mins.
After a near-fatal car accident, a man defies the odds to climb one of Australia’s rugged mountain ranges, surpassing the summit of his physical and emotional anguish.