High School Program| Elemental Transitions

Our High School Session, Elemental Transitions, offers a deep exploration of identity and a vibrant celebration of the natural world. This series thoughtfully examines the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds—spanning different genders, races, and ages, and even extending into the realm of fantasy. Viewers are invited to witness the personal trials and triumphs of these characters as they navigate challenges that ultimately lead to profound self-discovery and empowerment.

The session was curated by local filmmaker Isabella Rowland and encompasses a wide array of themes, carefully chosen to resonate with a youthful audience. Topics include mental health, the exhilarating world of surfing, the complexities of superheroes, pivotal coming-of-age experiences, the journey towards self-identity, the importance of community, and a deep-seated appreciation for nature. Each theme is woven into the narrative through beautifully filmed segments that are not only visually captivating but also emotionally touching. These productions aim to inspire, educate, and provoke thoughtful discussion among young viewers, encouraging them to reflect on their own identities and their relationships with the world around them.

  • Animated scene of a man gardening, with a cat sitting at a table, inside a cozy, cave-like home with plants and mushrooms, and a cup on the table.

    A SMALL GARDEN BY THE WINDOW

    Jonghoon Lee

    Republic of Korea

    Early morning, an architect gently plucks ripe cherry tomatoes from a modest garden beside the window, preparing a lunchbox for the day. These tomatoes, thriving with eco-energy, symbolize the small yet impactful acts of environmental stewardship. Energized by this sustainable practice, the architect sets out, once again, to tackle the frontlines of the climate crisis.

  • A young boy with paint or mud on his face and body, wearing a black headband, holding a stick, outdoors in a misty area with trees in the background.

    CABBO CREW - WANNA GO HOME

    Toby Finlayson, Jahvis Loveday & Jannali Doncaster

    Australia

    Following devastating floods in 2022, the Ngyambul community of Cabbage Tree Island, NSW, partnered with JALI LALC to produce 'Wanna Go Home,' a music video and short film project. Supported by the NSW Government's recovery initiative, the project captures the resilience and perspective of the community's youth, featuring a poignant reflection of their experiences through music by Adelaide-based artist JIMBLAH.

  • Beach scene viewed through trees, with surfers riding and waiting for waves, and the ocean in the background.

    THE BOOK OF HUNTER

    Samual Fairbank

    Australia

    A young surfer's unique perspective on the world breathes new life into the fabled Noosa surfing community.

  • Two young women, one dressed as Joan of Arc in armor, stand side by side in front of a glass door with a sign for a theatrical production. The woman on the left has curly hair and wears a black outfit with a metal breastplate, while the woman on the right has short curly hair, a blazer, and checkered shorts.

    JOAN THE KID

    Kat Silverosa & Grace Hackney

    Australia

    When her detention project comes to life, Jo is taken on a whirlwind trip through history by the not-so-saintly Saint, Joan of Arc. A film about identity and the challenges of standing out during the turbulent years of puberty and high school.

  • Illustration of a young man and a woman with a large rifle, including text for the film 'Erzi' by Kailani D'Amour and Tin Huyen Pham.

    EZRI

    Kailani D'Amour, & Tin Huyen Pham

    Australia

    Erzi decides to become a professional musician, but his Mother’s history of rejection may ultimately pull them apart.

  • A woman with gray hair climbing a rocky outdoor cliff, wearing a red shirt, using a harness and rope for safety.

    IAN

    Matt Raimondo

    Australia

    A cinematic portrayal of the incredible 72-year-old Australian rockclimber Ian Elliott. Defying age stereotypes, Ian’s technical skills, strength, and endurance shatter societal norms and highlight the extraordinary potential of older athletes.

  • A sky with pink and blue clouds, featuring text that reads "LIVE. LAUGH. SAVE THE WORLD." at the top, and as the central focus, a logo for "Wonder Down Under" in bold, colorful letters.

    WONDER DOWN UNDER

    Declan Arrighi

    Australia

    Barb Barrett is a superhero. Or at least she used to be.
    Now she must overcome her toughest challenge yet and rejoin the workforce in her fifties.

  • Movie poster for 'Vinicius' featuring a surfer in the ocean surrounded by large waves

    VINICIUS

    Jack Kaminski & Mark Duncan

    Portugal

    The untold story of Brazilian big wave surfer, Vini dos Santos, who allegedly surfed a 97-foot wave in Nazaré in 2022. From the shores of Brazil to the giant waves of Portugal, Vini recounts his surfing journey, the challenges, the injuries and the accomplishments that all lead up to the moment he would catch the biggest wave of his life.

  • A group of five women in a grocery store checkout line with a cashier. One woman is holding a baby, and others hold shopping items and snacks. They are engaged in conversation.

    LICHTBLICK - GLIMMER OF HOPE

    Sophia Tamaro

    Germany

    A cashier’s monotonous day is transformed when the women in the queue form an impromptu choir to soothe an unhappy baby.

  • Movie poster for 'Chip Packet Day' featuring pixel art characters of a woman and man standing beside a large bag of potato chips, with chip pieces flying out of the bag and the title in bold yellow and orange 3D letters at the top.

    CHIP PACKET DAY

    Oscar Axel Thorborg

    Australia

    A young woman seeks refuge in the comfort of a chip packet when her partner arrives home with a barrage of social obligations. Chip Packet Day is a film about the day we all sorely need but so rarely allow ourselves to have.

  • Aerial view of a river winding through green landscape with trees and grassy areas

    TURRAKANA HOME

    Kristan Laemmle-Ruff

    Australia

    Set where the forest meets the wild southern ocean in lutruwita/Tasmania a young girl acknowledges her intimate connection to Country and gives thanks to the place she calls home.

SESSION TIMES

  • PALACE BYRON BAY

    Wednesday 25th October

    10:20am

  • BRUNSWICK PICTURE HOUSE

    Monday 23rd October

    10.20am

  • PALACE BALLINA

    Thursday 26th 10.20am

  • MORE SESSION AVAILABLE

    on request - email Schools@bbff.com.au