SHORT’N’SWEET

YOW KNOW, SIZE isn’t everything. And as the saying goes, big things come in small packages. This is true in the world of cinema. 

^{By Tierney White}

Flickerfest returns for a 33rd year to present two huge programs of short but sweet flicks in Darwin and Katherine, retaining its place as Australia’s leading Academy Qualifying and BAFTA Recognised short film festival. 

Festival Director Bronwyn Kidd says this year’s competition attracted a record 3,400 entries. 

“There was no shortage of film gems to choose from, and the quality and range of themes in the Flickerfest program this year is exceptional,” she says. 

“I’m really proud of the diversity of stories and storytellers we get to represent in our programs – from the NT, across Australia, and around the world – and to share these inspiring and entertaining shorts with our audiences in Katherine and Darwin.” 

Two exciting additions this year sees Territory talent projected onto the big screen. Darwin Story is penned by Natasha Tonkin, a Darwin-born artist and animator who currently resides in the UK. Tonkin’s upbringing in Darwin is the inspiration behind her intricate and finely crafted semi-autobiographical animated film, reflecting on her own return home after a long period away. 

First Drop also celebrates NT talent. Ted is a reclusive and bitter retiree, tasked with caring for his Pakistani neighbour’s eight-year-old daughter, Saleha, and an unlikely friendship ensues. This moving production is set in Alice Springs, written and directed by Damon van der Schuit, and produced by Emma Alix Smith and Bridget May, featuring a large cast and crew of Alice Springs locals. 

Embrace the world of small but mighty film and pull up a pew at Flickerfest for bite-sized tales from around the world.

Flickerfest 

WHEN THU 25 JUL | BEST OF AUSTRALIAN SHORTS, 7PM 
AT KATHERINE CINEMA 3 
COST $16 | $12 MEMB 
 

WHEN SAT 27 JUL | BEST OF AUSTRALIAN SHORTS, 7PM | SHORT LAUGHS COMEDY, 9PM 
AT DECKCHAIR CINEMA 
COST $19 | $15 CONC 
 

INFO flickerfest.com.au

^{Photos: Header - Darwin Story
Thumbnail & inset: First Drop}