Here are 5 uplifting/fun short films sure to raise your spirits at this year’s inaugural Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.
Screening 9 July @ 12:00 p.m. during Shorts Session 1 – “Brooms in: A Quidditch Story” by Mark Hellinger.
A group of misfits bond playing Quidditch, the fictional game created by J.K. Rowling in the Harry Potter books. The team is pushed hard by their coach in the quest for victory.
Screening 9 July @ 2:30 p.m. during Shorts Session 2 – “Home” by Liam Burke.
A portrait of Melbourne’s ageing Irish community as they embrace social media to narrow the distance between Australia and Ireland.
Screening 10 July @ 10:30 p.m. during Docs After Dark “Roarhouse v. The State” a mockumentary by Marjetka McMahon-Krizanic and David de Roach.
Where’s our sense of collective spirit? Roarhouse, Melbourne’s notorious, multi-faceted not-for-profit arts platform, stands on trial for changing people’s lives. Featuring current and former Roarhouse artists and volunteers, this story is about integrity, radical inclusion and the power of the collective as it collides with The State.
Screening 10 July @ 4:30 p.m. “Waterlilies” by Tanya Doyle.
In their 60s, seven unlikely sages Kay, May, Nuala, Kathleen, Carol, Ann and Brigid have decided to learn how to swim. Taking themselves out of their comfort zone, they reveal what it is that drives them to keep striving for more, for survival, understanding, belonging and for purpose.
Screening 11 July @ 12:00 p.m. during Shorts Session 3 – “Melbourne: A Guide to Living” a mockumentary by Sam Gould and Chloe Christodoulou.
Melbourne, Australia. One of the oldest cities on earth. This guide to the city takes you around Australia’s capital of culture, explaining its history, people, and idiosyncrasies. . . For instance, did you know that dinosaurs existed in Australia right up until 1905? Or that Melbourne was named after cultural icon Mel Gibson? Well you do now.
Attending this year’s festival? Let me know in the comments which films you’re most excited to see.
Additional festival information online at: mdff.org.au / @mdffest / MDFF Facebook Group
