ScreenFish

Written and directed by Sheila Pye, The Young Arsonists tells the story of Nicole and Veronica (Maddy Martin, Jenna Warren), two  best friends who are struggling to survive their young lives. Things begin to change however, when the two decide to camp out in an abandoned home that used to belong to Nicole’s family. Using the old shack as a refuge from the world, Nicole, Veronica and their friends begin to create a new home for themselves where they feel safe to explore who they are. In this 1on1, we speak to Pye, and stars Jennifer Warren and Madison Baines about the power of standing together, ‘deviant behaviour’ and taking control.

Combining 3D animation and interview footage, the new documentary ETERNAL SPRING transports the viewer back to Communist China in 2006. Directed by Jason Loftus, the film retraces the life of comic book illustrator Daxiong and a team of Chinese activists, the film follows the events leading up to a daring plan to hack into the state’s television broadcast in order to help speak out against their propaganda. In this 1on1, we speak to Loftus about the film's animated style and the threat of spirituality.

Written and directed by Pierre Foldes, Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is an intriguing and philosophical piece designed to spark conversation. Rather than lean into traditional storytelling devices, the narrative fuses together a number of character arcs in a dream-like, ethereal narrative. In this 1on1, we speak to Foldes about the presence of ghost, the fascinating animation style and the lines between truth and fiction.

Directed by Brett Morgan, MOONAGE DAYDREAM is a fitting tribute to an eclectic artist with a mythical mind. Heralded as a musician, painter, actor and world traveler, David Bowie was a man of immeasurable talent and creativity. Six years after his death, Daydream taps into that energy by interconnecting performances of some of Bowie’s biggest hits such as Space Oddity, Sound and Vision, Heroes and more with rare footage and montages. In this 1on1, we speak to Morgan about Bowie's quest for spirituality and deconstructing the narrative.

This season, the #MYM crew has shared some of the heaviest stories imaginable. Tales of murder, corruption and fraud have been a staple as our team have offered tales that have impacted them in all sorts of ways. But, in our season finale, Daniel forces... er.... invites the Movies You Missed crew to explore the lighter side of the dark side by delving into SCOOBY DOO: MONSTERS UNLEASHED and talking about whether or not the film still holds up.

Written and directed by Carolina Markowicz, CHARCOAL tells the story of married Irene (Maeve Jinkings) and Jairo (Romulo Braga). Struggling to pay the bills and survive their own personal issues, Irene and Jairo fight to raise their 8-year-old son Jean (Jean Costa) and her elderly (and very ill) father. However, when Irene is offered the opportunity to put her father to rest and take in a drug kingpin in his place, she takes the chance. But now, she must fight to keep up appearances so that the community does not become suspicious. In this 1on1, we speak to Markcowicz about satirizing social justice and the cultural disconnect within the church.

Directed by Klaus Haro, MY SAILOR, MY LOVE tells the story of Howard (James Cosmo), a widowed father who lives alone. Although he’s cared for by his daughter, Grace (Catherine Walker), Howard is miserable and difficult to manage. Appalled by his living conditions, Grace hires Annie (Brid Brennan), a local widow, to serve as his caregiver, despite Howard’s wishes. Although Howard is cantankerous towards his houseguest, Annie remains strong-willed and the two begin to grow closer, causing tension with an envious Grace. In this 1on1, we speak to Cosmo and Haro about the incredible cast and 'grace at the gate'.

Directed by John Barker, THE UMBRELLA MEN tells the story of Jerome (Jaque De Silva), a man who reluctantly returns to Cape Town after the passing of his estranged father. Upon his arrival, he learns that his father has left him the Goema Club, the home of his father’s beloved minstrel troupe, The Umbrella Men. Discovering that the club is massively in debt, Jerome decides to concoct an elaborate heist to pay off the debt and preserve his father’s legacy. In this 1on1, we speak to Barker, De Silva and Shamilla Miller about loving the bad guys and the history embedded in the heist.

Directed by Hallee Adelman and Sean O’Grady, Our American Family is an unfiltered story of one family in Philadelphia as they deal with generational substance abuse. Anchored by their matriarch Linda, they each struggle to deal with the pain of history and work towards finding hope for the future. Although the relationship between them is frayed, they remain loyal to each other to help their family climb out of the depths of their suffering. In this 1on1, we speak to Adelman and O'Grady about tackling addiction honestly and what makes this family so unique.

Directed by Valerie Buhagiar, CARMEN (played by Nastascha McElhone) is the younger sister of the current town priest. Designated as his caregiver, she lives a lonely life of shame and desolation. But when he passes away suddenly, Carmen suddenly has nowhere else to go. Sneaking into the rectory, she hides out in the confessional only to have the townspeople begin to treat her as their new priest, without knowing her identity. Offering advice infused with grace, Carmen brings light into the community instead of the burden of shame. In this 1on1, we speak with McElhone and Buhagiar about the separation of church and God, Buhagiar's personal connection with the character and the threat of joy.