MEET THE FILMMAKER: Sunday July 12, 10.15am. Join the filmmakers live in-cinema for a post-screening Q&A.

CROC COUNTRY (Sinead Reynold 20:05) In tropical North Queensland, locals must share the coast with saltwater crocodiles, one of nature’s most successful apex predators. With fatalities on both sides of the conflict, is it possible to achieve a peaceful co-existence between man and ‘monster’?

THE CIRCLE: Fire as a Tool for Healing Country and Community (07:39, Clare Young) Traditional burning workshops healing land and community post-2019-20 bushfires.

HUMPBACK (Alexander Forrest, 7.27 mins) Once on the edge of extinction, an over 1,500 percent rebound in numbers has symbolised the Humpback Whale’s success story - yet the survival of these gentle giants now depends not on fleeing from harpoons, but adapting to an ocean that’s being redefined by humanity.

A SHORT FILM ABOUT ANYTHING (13:13, Oscar Axel Thorborg) — Multiple voices on meaningfulness and shared experience.

A STORY ABOUT VOICES (35:00, James Barahanos) — Participatory doc on Māori/LGBTQI+ woman "Shell" living with schizophrenia and auditory hallucinations.

A MAGICAL STORY (11:50, Jun Yang Mah) — Malaysian magician Marcus Mah overcomes scepticism to pursue his craft before moving to Melbourne.

DECAYING: Behind the Seams (21:47, Drew Herriot) — 35 neurodiverse kids. 23 Saturdays. 10 zombies. 1 short film. Drag your rottingcorpse behind the seams of this handmade horror and discover a love letter tocreativity, neurodiversity, and organized chaos

SALT IN THE VEINS (05:31) – Two brothers who have been surfing together for over 50 years continue to defy age and expectations. Still chasing waves well into their later years, this micro-documentary celebrates the power of lifelong passion, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between family and the ocean.

FINDING OUR VOICE: The ChIPS ChUNES Project (04:58) – This short documentary follows a group of young people living with chronic illness, who find connection, confidence, and healing through music and songwriting.

GOLDEN AGE (10mins) – Loud music, charismatic vocalists, broken guitars and drunk fans. The fervent and accepting Melbourne music scene is shown through local rock band Mindstain. Meet the magnetic members of the band. Encounter the sociable fans that thrive in the community. Feel the vigorous intensity that is the chaotic mosh pit.