MIFF and the AFL present: Footy Shorts, supported by VicScreen

MIFF and the AFL, supported by VicScreen, have rebooted the Footy Shorts program. This initiative offers emerging Victorian filmmakers the chance to receive valuable mentorship and to shoot short-form documentaries centred on the love and connection people have to Australia’s game. The finalists’ films will have their world premiere at the iconic Melbourne International Film Festival on 12 August at ACMI, Fed Square. Tickets will go on sale after the MIFF Program Launch on 10 July. The films will also be available Australia-wide through MIFF Online – streaming via ACMI Cinema 3.

We have encouraged filmmakers to create authentic, emotionally resonant stories that capture the deep love, traditions, myths and connections people share through Australian Rules Football – whether as players, fans, families or communities – showcasing how the game, across its many different forms, unites and shapes Australian life.

“MIFF is thrilled to be a part of the Footy Shorts initiative this year, launching incredible new docs on the game that Melburnians hold dear from a range of exciting emerging filmmakers. The five teams selected are set to share stories that range from the celebrated to the unseen – from elite players to those making their name on the field to diehard fans and intra-family rivalries – that will bring forward the meaning of footy, through film, to Melbourne audiences.” – Al Cossar

Five short film treatments have been selected to go into production, with the nominated film teams receiving a $20,000 budget per project as well as professional development via mentorship from experienced representatives from VicScreen, the AFL and MIFF.

The successfully selected projects are listed below:

Breaking the Line: The Peta Searle Story

Above: Grace Cardona and Paige Cardona. Photograph by Daniel Mahon.

Writer/Producer: Paige Cardona
Director/Editor: Grace Anna Cardona

In 2004, Peta Searle’s playing career was cut short by a career-ending injury. Coaching was never part of the plan, until her club Darebin – a struggling club in crisis – begged her to take the reins. What followed was nothing short of revolutionary.

Bush Boots

Above: Kynan Clarke and Isabel Dilena. Photograph by Daniel Mahon.

Producers/Writers/Directors: Kynan Clarke & Isabel Dilena

Bush Boots is centred on Jy Simpkin, the first Indigenous Captain of the North Melbourne Football Club in history.

Eye of the Game: The Deaf Ruckman

Above: Adam Bigum and Ramas McRae. Photograph by Daniel Mahon.

Producer: Adam Bigum
Writer/Director: Ramas McRae

An inspiring documentary that follows the journey of Ryan Emerson, a deaf ruckman who defies expectations in a sport where communication is key.

House Divided

Above: Lachlan Baynes. Photograph by Daniel Mahon.

Producer: Lachlan Baynes
Writer/Director: Danielle Baynes

Inspired by filmmaker siblings Danielle and Lachlan Baynes's own family story, House Divided explores the unique dynamic of intra-family footy rivalries.

No Prior Opportunity

Above: Fraser Pemberton, Alexandra Walton and Theo McMahon. Photograph by Daniel Mahon.

Producer: Theo McMahon
Co-producer: Fraser Pemberton
Writer/Director: Alexandra Walton

Rhys Gilday, a man on the autism spectrum, and his love of AFL umpires, shine a spotlight on the game’s most misunderstood figures. No Prior Opportunity is a heartwarming, funny and powerful tribute to passion, exclusion and resilience on the fringes of fandom.