A collection of shorts to kick off the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival on opening night.

Keeper (Dir: Hannah Rafkin – 39m)

For Flynn, a single father and empty nester in the Bronx, beekeeping is a source of calm, wisdom, and healing. Undeterred by his severe allergy to bee stings, he cares for colonies all across New York City—including four hives inside his apartment.

When a cancer diagnosis threatens Flynn's life, he's forced to step away from the bees and accept the care of his 19-year old daughter Alaura, preparing her to continue living powerfully—with or without him.

The Champions of Fitzroy (Dir: Alex Siddons - 5m),

Short documentary exploring the legendary Fitzroy Stars boxing gym and some of its champions including Troy Austin, Nik 'Razor' Raptis, Shannon McMahon and Evan Lakos.

 Anangu Way (Dir: Tace Stevens – 12m)

Keenan, a Noongar and Spinifex man travels 10 hours from his home to connect with his father. Where he teaches him how to make a woomera, and he learns more about his father and the Anangu Way of life.

 A Letter from Antarctica (Dir: Ben Herrgott – 35m),

This is a modest attempt to share with you what we experienced while searching for surf in the mysterious continent that is Antarctica.

We had assembled a crew of surfers from different countries, and although we knew the chances of finding surf iwere slim in these often uncharted coastlines, what made the journey truly special was the time we spent together aboard the 55-foot steel sailboat, called the Ypake II.

To reach Antarctica we would sail across the infamous Drake Passage, navigating past the often feared Cape Horn where the Antarctic and Pacific Oceans collide. It wasn’t all about surf though. While we battled through dangerous coastlines and mechanical issues, we made lifelong friends, were constantly awestruck by our magical surroundings and gained a deeper understanding of the alarming impact of global warming.

During the weeks we spent in this extraordinary environment, nature reminded us who is truly in charge and how humans are significantly altering its course. We hope this film offers you a glimpse into this fascinating world.

More Than a Fish Kill (Dir: Otis Filley – 38m)

More than a Fish Kill is an inspiring short-form documentary (38 mins) exploring how artists, fisheries managers and First Nations custodians came together in the aftermath of devastating fish kills along the Barka (Darling River) in far western New South Wales. These unlikely collaborators undertook a remarkable journey, turning these devastating ecological disasters into catalysts for cultural healing and revival. More than a Fish Kill shares how art, science and ancient knowledges were interwoven in a spirit of care, revealing new possibilities for honouring our places and communities in this time of environmental change.