Get Your Shorts On

Get Your Shorts On provides some insight into the astonishing calibre of Western Australian up-and-coming filmmakers as an important part of the Revelation Perth International Film Festival. Already lauded as a hub for musical genius, WA has steadily been carving out a niche for quality film production and a rich and diverse taste for original story ideas. The current edition of the short format showing ranges for ingenious animation to indigenous doco with a touch of romance and a zombie apocalypse thrown in for good measure. Sir Barry Humphries, an Australian national treasure, narrates a delightful animated short based on a poem about a well-meaning but disorganised gentleman attempting to make amends for his poor form. What A Debarcle, Freddy Farkle features rich artwork to support Humphries' wonderful reading and the animation work is simply superb.

Formed in the late 90s, the Wadumbah Aboriginal Dance Group have been entertaining and educating audiences about Noongar culture around the world. Wadumbah follows the troupe on a particularly hectic day between suburban schools and discusses the purpose and value of the dance experience. Director James Webb runs a tight ship and proudly discusses the changes he has seen in the years since the formation, as well as discussing the members and how their troubled pasts have faded behind their bright efforts to inspire the youth of the future.

Filmed on location in rural WA, Crosshairs delivers a dramatic punch to the line up with the tense standoff between a farmer and a couple of young poachers. The ante is upped when the farmer captures the younger boy and attempts to extort the surrender of his older brother. The resulting standoff results in some gripping moments with the arid dust and loneliness of the outback providing the ideal setting for war.

Walk Tall, Stand Strong is a moving short film that gathers the stories of Noongar men and reflects upon the lessons learnt in their lives. The film juxtaposes criminality with pride as the Noongar culture struggles with its modern identity amongst the youth featured in the story but gains value as the individual develops the ability to reflect and speak about the importance of knowing the value of their people. The stories feel raw and genuine, the voices of survivors and serves a lesson for future generations.

Polarised features talent up-and-coming actress Olivia DeJonge as Beth the impetuous teenager whose thoughts are deeply affected with the raging hormones that plague that age bracket. She plots to rid her crush of the weight of his current squeeze and replace the girl. Her mischievous little brother tags along, much to the detriment of Beth's carefully laid plans and undermines her position in front of the older boy. DeJonge is magnificent as she successful captures the feeling associated with treading the difficult line between taking life seriously and basking in the glory of childhood. Aaron McCann and Stefan A. Radanovich for a formidable filmmaking team as their post-apocalyptic zombie thriller.

Perished feasts upon the competition. Tense is an understatement as a solo man narrowly escapes the clutches of the shambolic horde to lock himself in a small shed and remain safe temporarily. As his situation deteriorates he is forced to hatch a plan for escape.

Supported by Screen West, Get Your Shorts On is now in its tenth year.

Get Your Shorts On screens on Thursday 12 July, 7pm, The Astor Theatre.