Join us for an unforgettable evening as we showcase the finest dance films from Australia this season. Experience a captivating array of films that span a diverse range of styles and genres, each bringing its own unique flair to the art of dance.
As a special highlight, we are thrilled to present one of our Youth Film Festival finalist: Modern Motion.
This intimate screening offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in the creativity and passion of Australian dance cinema. With limited tickets available, be sure to secure your spot for this exclusive experience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to support and celebrate these incredible filmmakers and their artistry!
Join us as we celebrate this seasons best Australian dance short films.
*Not in Screening Order
Australian First Nations
'Smiley' - 7:51
Director – Beverley Marcusson
Smiley is a poignant film that delves into the bittersweet memories of a woman reflecting on the happier moments shared with the man she loves. Through a series of evocative flashbacks, the narrative captures the essence of their relationship, highlighting the joy, laughter, and connection that once defined their time together. As she navigates her feelings of longing and nostalgia, the film beautifully illustrates how love can leave an indelible mark on our hearts, even in the face of change. With its heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth, Smiley invites viewers to cherish the moments that shape our lives and the enduring power of love.
Art/Experimental
'Vigil' - 14:23
Director – Pippa Samaya, Tara Jade Samaya (The Samaya Wives)
Vigil is the first work of a larger project that brings together an exceptional creative team of writers, performers, dance artists, film makers and community to examine the intersection of public and private safety with race, gender and terror.
Vigil is about the layers of trauma of an abusive relationship or event. An intimate reflection on the ripple effects of gender-based violence. The work is an embodied devotion about the power of the collective, a congregation, a vigil.
Vigil is an experiential and communal work being created by Outer Urban Projects, Naarm/Melbourne, Australia.
Extended Short
''Twin Flame' - 26:59
Director – Sunitra Sivabalan
When the two goddesses of creation and destruction come together in an unrelenting battle, they discover their strength is in their unity.
Twin Flame weaves an epic tale through dance and an evocative original soundtrack, delving deep into the death of ego, and finding empathy in spite of difference.
Twin Flame bridges the gap between authentic South-Asian storytelling, exploring ancient archetypes within a fresh, contemporary landscape and score.
Dance Short
'KIKU' - 14:06
Director – Natsuko Yonezawa
Kiku, is an intergenerational short dance film directed by Natsuko Yonezawa. This collaboration brings together six remarkable women over 50, who express their individual journeys of ageing through movement. The film is accompanied by an original choral soundtrack by composer Rebecca Hilliard, sung by the members of the ANU Chamber Choir and the Luminescence Children’s Choir. This film invites the audience to approach the topic of ageing with an open heart and mind.
Kiku was proudly supported by artsACT, QL2 Dance, the National Film and Sound Archive, Lorna Sim Photography, and the ANU School of Music.
Art/Experimental
'We Know Who You Are' - 3:40
Director – Ryan Renshaw
Four talented female quadruplets form a rock band, but as success grows, they unearth shocking secrets, revealing a haunting truth that challenges their sisterhood. Based on a true story.
Student Dance Short
'Warped' - 5:15
Director – Leyla Boz
Has the world stopped or is it just us?
Warped ventures into the physical manipulation of reality, challenging the conventional ways we perceive, create, and even dismantle our surroundings. The concept explores the intriguing idea of parallel universes coexisting simultaneously, all converging toward a shared conclusion that permeates the inevitable past, present, and future.
Live Capture
'Dancing On A Flying Carpet' - 8:37
Director – Leila Honari
A carpet of lights spreads, revealing intricate patterns of migratory seabirds that come alive and soar across transboundary waters, only to find themselves trapped on the borders of the carpet. A migrant woman gracefully dances on the carpet, channelling the lights and expressing the profound desires of the seabirds to soar freely and to fly beyond the limits. Through her mesmerizing dance, she creates a poetic fusion of art and nature, symbolizing the collective yearning for liberation. Inspired by Attar’s 12th century Conference of the Birds and contemporary human migrations, her performance transcends boundaries, inviting the audience on a surreal journey of liberation atop a dynamic, animated circular carpet.
Student Dance Short
'Subversion' - 7:44
Director – Jack Riley
Post mass extinction of humankind we see two theanthropic creatures struggle to understand their counterpart, their bodies and how the new climate of earth has de-evolved their brain and body to animalistic instincts.
This final encounter lays on the knife edge of rebirth or the end of humankind. Through this encounter we see the differences and similarities between humans, animals and nature.
Because they are suspended between human and animal there is opportunity for both characters to discover self-awareness, morality and the human experience.
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IDYFF Finalist – Secondary School Dance Short
'Modern Motion' - 1:55
Directors – Tabatha Claire Sango & Tessa Shelley
You are only free when you realize you belong no place – you belong every place – no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great” – Maya Angelou
Inspired by Maya Angelou’s words, 12 youth dance artists explore visceral belonging, embracing conflicting internal juggernauts of both freedom and containment through physical movement and expression.