Quick Flicks is a hand-picked collection of short films from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, offering a window into diverse stories and fresh perspectives. Our 2025 shorts program celebrates many award-winning films and filmmakers fresh from Sydney Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival and Flickerfest Short Film Festival. These unique voices are shaping cinema and showcase the emerging talent on the rise from our region.
Half Past Midnight
Drama | European premiere | 2024 | Australia | 11 min | English | Directed by Daniel Bibby
Synopsis
A chance encounter outside a movie theatre forces two strangers to confront their romantic pasts.
Under the Water
Drama | Danish premiere | 2023 | Australia | 11 min | English with German subtitles | Directed by Isabella Andronos
Synopsis
In a quiet coastal town, eleven-year-old Olivia faces constant misogynistic harassment from the boys and men around her. She finds solace in an old picture book; a tale of sirens who rise from the crashing waves to fight back against their captors. As strange signs draw her toward the sea, she follows a spectral woman into the depths. What begins as a retreat into fantasy becomes a radical act of reclamation, as Olivia emerges with a voice sharpened by rage and ancient power.
Lincoln
Drama | German premiere | 2024 | Australia | 14 min | English with German subtitles | Directed by Jake James Whitford
Synopsis
Lincoln follows a curious teenage boy who has an intense connection with men's adoration of women in noir films. These fantastical romances propel Lincoln into a sexual awakening when he comes face to face with his neighbour, Rosie. All Lincoln knows when it comes to women is film noir. Taking in these influences, the question remains.
Has the portrayal of masculinity in these old films distorted his perception of sexuality in a modern setting?
Granite Highway
Thriller | European premiere | 2024 | Australia | 14 min | English with German subtitles | Directed by Rhys Ellis
Synopsis
Set in the ’90s in a forgotten outback town, Alice, a lonely motel receptionist, becomes obsessed with a missing woman’s case. Over one restless night, paranoia and desire twist reality as she confronts a strange guest who may hold the answers. Granite Highway is a hypnotic, slow burn thriller.
Suvira
Documentary | European premiere | 2024 | Australia | 8 min | English with German subtitles | Directed by Sam Clarke
Synopsis
This film tells the story of artist, Suvira McDonald, and explores what makes his passion for pottery so special. A pivotal moment in Suvira's life ignites a love for pottery, inspiring him to build a successful career from his new found passion.
Night Waves
Drama | European premiere | 2024 | NZ | 15 min | English | Directed by River Evans
Synopsis
Night Waves is about a man, Nero, who in his last desperate moments decides to call the girl on the radio. It’s 3AM and Regina is hosting the graveyard shift on the local student radio station. When Nero calls in she is surprised, as people never call this late, but she has no idea the emotional limits this total stranger is about to push her to.
Jarda Bura, Gurri Bura, Jarda Ngarli, Gurri Ngarli (Senior Woman, Young Woman)
Documentary | European premiere | 2024 | Australia | 12 min | English| Directed by Big hART
Synopsis
Exploring practice and power through film, photography and composition, this powerful film highlights women’s stories of strength. With touching intimacy, bear witness to the intergenerational relationships between Aboriginal women, their kinship system, their living connection to Country, and the knowledge they collectively share between mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters and aunties. Co-created with Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi women from Ieramugadu (Roebourne), Western Australia.
No Feedback
Comedy | German premiere | 2025 | Australia | 8 min | English with German subtitles | Directed by Benjamin Ryan
Synopsis
Three nervous bank robbers waiting in a van before their heist become obsessed with doing movie character voices during the robbery. Despite their leader's protests that they're wearing masks, the crew argues over De Niro and Alan Rickman impressions. After a pep talk about teamwork, they successfully rob the bank while still doing their voices, though customers seem confused as to who they are meant to be.
Rain Simulation
Animation | German premiere | 2025 | Australia | 4 min | English with German subtitles | Directed by Sebastian Steins
Synopsis
Rain Simulation leads you down a colorful path into the mind of our protagonist The Mad Express aka Madeleine Rose who carries us with hypnotic poetry.
Hand drawn, rotoscoped and glitched into infinity, this collaborative effort led by film maker Sebastian Steins, with music produced by Anton Remi, and featuring violin by Kaio Moraes, takes you on a relentless journey
Lakefield
Thriller | 2025 | Australia | 4 min | English | Directed by Sebastian Steins
Synopsis
Charlie, a city journalist, returns to her remote hometown after a disturbing call. When her friend is found dead and a suspect confesses, she must uncover the truth in this uniquely Australian "whydunnit" mystery.