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THE BLACKWOOD RIVER FILM FESTIVAL 2026

Showcasing films by Australian filmmakers, 6 Short Films, 3 Features, including the regional premier of Pointe – Dancing on a Knife’s Edge at the Balingup Town Hall on Saturday 28 March 2026.

FEATURE FILMS

SHORT FILMS

The Golden Spurtle

Constantine Costi

1hr 15min

In the sleepy village of Carrbridge, the annual World Porridge Championships, also known as The Golden Spurtle, ignite excitement as locals and global contenders compete for the prestigious title. This whimsical documentary delves into the idiosyncrasies of village life and the profound significance of the quirky competition. Aging protagonist Charlie Miller, soon to retire, seeks a worthy successor to secure the championships' future and his own legacy. The international attention sparked when an American competitor won in 2009 instilled national pride, especially for Ian Bishop, who reclaimed the title. With the breathtaking Scottish Highlands as a backdrop, this film captures the heartwarming stories of an eclectic cast, celebrating the power of community and the joy and struggles of village life.

Pointe: Dancing on a Knife's Edge

Dawn Jackson

1hr 15min

Floeur Alder's parents are celebrated international ballet stars Lucette Aldous and Alan Alder and she grows up with god-mother Dame Margot Fonteyn and 'Uncle' Rudolf Nureyev. Like her parents, she trains in ballet. She is about to realise her goal to dance on the world stage when she is randomly stabbed in the neck by an unknown man on the streets of Perth. Facing years of physical rehabilitation, she turns to her family and dance to recover and, as the only child of celebrity parents, face the ultimate challenge to find her own way of dancing.

The Fall

Tarsem Singh

1hr 57min

Alexandria, a child recovering from a broken arm, meets Roy Walker, an injured movie stuntman, at the hospital. He tells her a story about six heroes who are on a quest to kill Odious, an evil ruler.

14:49

Interview

Giles Chan

An anxious woman desperately looking for work tries to survive a job interview.

11:00

Bingo

Joe Wilkie

Trying bingo for the first time, Jenny finds herself embroiled in a clash of titans and cutthroat competition. This film was made in collaboration with Bus Stop Films participants in Perth, WA.

12:48

Set Menu

Lindsay McDonald

Denied the coveted set menu for dining alone at a famously exclusive restaurant, Frances strikes an unexpected deal with a stranger to access both the menu and a night of peace and solitude.

8:47

Verge Collection

Nicholas Verryn

In the suburban streets of Australia, discarded possessions find refuge on the verge. These belongings still hold stories.

10:12

Listen Then Repeat

Jasper Martin

Locked out of her primary email and all of its associated accounts, Eve attempts to troubleshoot the issue with an AI-powered customer service hotline whose only goal is to improve her satisfaction no matter the cost.

17:05

Stranded

Reilly Archer-Whelan, Michael Whyntie

When Kelly dumps Brian, his world comes crashing down—again. Just like when their cruise ship sank, leaving them as the only two survivors stranded on a deserted island. Brian is left adrift in a sea of misery, while Kelly thrives. After several unlikely encounters, Brian realises he needs to get his life afloat. Just as it looks like their love might be rescued, an actual ship appears on the horizon. Now, Brian faces his biggest dilemma yet: sail solo or stay marooned for a second shot at love.

DATE
SCREENING
TIME
LOCATION
Saturday 28 March
Short films
4PM
Balingup
Saturday 28 March
Pointe
7PM
Balingup
Sunday 29 March
Pointe
4PM
Boyup Brook
Sunday 29 March
Short films
7PM
Boyup Brook
Saturday 4 April
Short films
4PM
Bridgetown
Saturday 4 April
Pointe
7PM
Bridgetown
Sunday 5 April
Pointe
4PM
Nannup
Sunday 5 April
Short films
7PM
Nannup
Monday 6 April
The Fall
4PM
Nannup
Monday 6 April
The Golden Spurtle
7PM
Nannup
Saturday 11 April
The Fall
4PM
Ampersand
Saturday 11 April
The Golden Spurtle
7PM
Ampersand

FEATURE FILMS

​​​​​​​​​​​

You Should Have Been Here Yesterday

Director: Jolyon Hoff

Runtime: 1hr 40min​

You Should Have Been Here Yesterday combines hundreds of hours of lovingly restored 16mm footage with a salt-infused soundscape by Headland. This cinematic poem tells the story of a wild community who took off up the coast and discovered a whole new way to live.

Going back to the never-before-seen camera reels to ask the question – what do we keep and what do we leave behind? Featuring Tim Winton, Wayne Lynch, Bob McTavish, Albe Falzon, Evelyn Rich, Maurice Cole and many more. Inspired by Moonage Daydream and Jen Peedom’s Mountain.

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Bassendream

Director: Tim Barretto

Runtime: 1hr 20min​​

 

Tales of youth, friendship and family interweave in an eccentric portrait of suburban existence on the last day of the summer school holidays in 1990's Australia.

DATE
SCREENING
TIME
LOCATION
Saturday 28 March
Short films
4PM
Balingup
Saturday 28 March
Pointe
7PM
Balingup
Sunday 29 March
Pointe
4PM
Boyup Brook
Sunday 29 March
Short films
7PM
Boyup Brook
Saturday 4 April
Short films
4PM
Bridgetown
Saturday 4 April
Pointe
7PM
Bridgetown
Sunday 5 April
Pointe
4PM
Nannup
Sunday 5 April
Short films
7PM
Nannup
Monday 6 April
The Fall
4PM
Nannup
Monday 6 April
The Golden Spurtle
7PM
Nannup
Saturday 11 April
The Fall
4PM
Ampersand
Saturday 11 April
The Golden Spurtle
7PM
Ampersand

SHORT FILMS 2025

MIA MIAS

Sandra revisits her childhood to bring other stolen children home. This film documents the last great work of Wadandi Elder and artist, Sandra Hill.

Broono

In 1970s Glasgow, an unlikely friendship develops between a bereaved 11-year-old lad and the local bully until tragedy strikes again.

The Callback

A comedy about following a dream into a waking nightmare.

Touch

In the near future, a woman tries a new therapy to overcome her fear of being touched.

Room for One More

When an entire house collapses on him, Alex realises he’s close to death. Will he use his final moments to reconnect with loved ones? Or will he go all-in on pitching his brilliant short film idea to old friend Bruno?

The Hug 

Two friends experience a strange phenomenon when their goodbye method evolves from a handshake into a hug.

Max Pam: The Freddie Incident

Photographer Max Pam recounts an experience from his seminal years traveling Asia in the early 1970s, the impact of which is life changing.

In conversations with myself and others

In Conversation with Myself and Others is a heart-warming and humorous documentary that profiles the life of a talented artist who defies ableist assumptions and conquers the art world with humour, creativity, and a trusty wheelchair.

You’re invited to Tuscan’s 5th Birthday Party

When her only son's birthday party is ruined by a runaway pony, a stressed mother deals with the comically chaotic aftermath.

Proudly Supported by:

MAJOR SPONSOR

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PLATINUM SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSOR

COMMUNITY SPONSORS

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© 2026  by Blackwood River Arts Trail

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