MWFF2020: Freshly Squeezed Shorts 1

An eclectically fresh mix of short films traversing genres and styles that push the boundaries of gender, sexuality, culture, age, ability.

95 mins / Unclassified

Restricted to persons 15 years and over.

An eclectically fresh mix of short films traversing genres and styles that push the boundaries of gender, sexuality, culture, age, ability, and identity - exploring the many facets of Australian and Aotearoa/New Zealand life and society.

Backing Up Bilitis

Seventeen-year-old closeted Jane creates an underground event in the basement of her suburban home, all on the brink of Melbourne's first gay liberation movement.

In partnership with the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives and Aztec Records Australia, Backing Up Bilitis pays homage to the birth of Melbourne's liberation movement and Australia's first gay rights group, 'The Daughters of Bilitis.'

Director & Writer: Abbie Pobjoy / Producer: William Dabinet / DOP: Hazal Alakus / Editor: Isobelle Amie

Australia / 2019 / 12 mins

Triple Swear

Jess usually spends every summer with her older brother Trav and their friend Kelsey. But this year, the older kids are sneaking out to a party, leaving Jess at home, alone.

Director & Writer: Dannika Horvat / Producer: Stephanie Westwood

Australia / 2019 / 12 mins

Bloodletting

When Dana has her period for the first time since a traumatic event, her suppressed pain begins to manifest itself in hallucinations.

Director: Katia Mancuso / Writer & Producer: Katherine Cavanagh / Producer: Dylan Harris

Australia / 2019 / 14 mins

Toni Fitzgerald's Cult Following

Toni Fitzgerald, a struggling comic, finds acceptance - and a willing audience - in a cult.

Toni Fitzgerald is a stand up comic. The only issue is she just isn’t funny; not to her workmates, not to her roommate, not even to her Mum. So when she stumbles upon a cult that doesn't approve of popular culture, she’s offered an opportunity that she can’t refuse. Toni pretends that the most famous lines of comedy history are her original stand up. But how long will it be until they find out, and how far will Toni go to remain the funniest person in the room?

Director & Writer: Felicity Pickering / Producers: Felicity Pickering, Barbara Ings, Charlotte Borriraji, Harry Reid, Josh Zammit

Australia / 2019 / 12 mins

Lobster

Ok, so Cam's hungover, lost, vomit-stained, dealing with a very rude visitor, and totally in the dark. On the other hand, er, claw, she has an advantage that many Aussies can only dream about.

Director, Writer & Producer: Alison Myers

Australia / 2018 / 6 mins

Thank G-d

While browsing the pages of the Talmud a traditional Jewish woman discovers the little known, but very specific, injunctions about the quantity and quality of sex that a man must deliver. Based on an original theatrical performance, the film is a testament to women, and a humorous reminder to the male species of their obligations in the bedroom.

Writer: Deborah Leiser Moore / Director: Richard Moore

Australia / 2018 / 10 mins

Old Habits

A beach-side change-room becomes a confessional for two sisters, who are forced to decide if they have the strength to endure their respective marriages or the courage to leave.

Director & Writer: Mary Musolino / Producer: Sarah Jane Feiglin

Australia / 2018 / 7 mins

Joel

A woman shares the intimate details of a dream she had on the night of her first miscarriage.

Director & Writer: Jane Ballentyne / Producer: Isobel Mebus / DOP: Jess Charlton

Aotearoa/New Zealand / 2019 / 7 mins

Mirage

Mirage is a short film that portrays the unlikely friendship of two women across cultures and generations. Our hero is Lola (i.e. Lele), a grieving teenager who finds solace by connecting with her elderly neighbour Mrs. Allen.

Director & Writer: Maki Morita / Producer: Eloise Marriott

Australia / 2019 / 12 mins

In the beginning

In the beginning is a short film that highlights the beauty, strength and importance of a black woman. The film celebrates black women and their impact on society.

Director: Sophie-Anne Mwangi

Australia/Kenya / 2019 / 4 mins