Weaving Stories Film Festival

Edilia has thrived in attending Weaving & Yarning workshops run by Dr Virginia Keft for a couple years now. She joined the project in the hopes to learn visual storytelling techniques and how to structure a film but knew she wanted to share the story on Indigenous weaving and highlight the work Dr Virginia Keft does in community workshops. Her story includes her personal experience of learning the Indigenous technique of weaving and the connection it built to the community. 

At just 14 years old, Nicole had joined the project with a passion in climate change and with a hope in learning more about filmmaking. Her short film follows her journey in learning about the effects of climate change on different animals and the environment, along with determining actions individuals can make to minimise the effects on the ecosystem. 

Sali was eager to learn about filmmaking skills to share memories and tell a story. Joining the program, she focused her film on reducing waste during parties and community events. Check out her film as she puts on a community event and shows practical examples on reducing waste and making sustainable choices.   

Anish was previously living in Dubbo and he saw first-hand the effects drought has on the community, but living in an apartment, it put restrictions on what he could do to reduce his water consumption. He still wants to do his part so follow Anish as he explores what options are available and he investigates the benefits.  

Ryley had a unique experience in the program where he highlighted a topic on an international scale as he found the opportunity to interview young climate activists from the Pacific Islands. He reviews the impacts of rising sea levels and considers actions we can all be involved in to make a difference.   

Thusitha is an up-and-coming author with a passion for storytelling. His short film was created through his interest in mental health and climate change and has developed into a story about the support and services available for members of the community during heatwaves. Thusitha found through his research what options are available for the community and could tap into the local knowledge of organisations to run interviews and get more information to form his film. 

Katriona’s passion for grassroots action is evident in her film as she highlights the work a youth led organisation who write to leaders and speak up on climate action. Her film shows the two women who founded the group, along with a few of the participants talking about what motivates them and what they have achieved so far. 

Parames had participated in all aspects of the program – attending a Climate Fresk workshop, Weaving & Yarning workshop and the filmmaking series. He notes with his prior working career, skills and education, he has the ambition to combat climate change and wants to make this world a better place to live in. 

Tony & Flynn are a father and son pair who developed their short film together with the idea of it being educational and fun for any audience. Tony shared this experience with his young son, Flynn, who could show off his creative skills and piece it together with his interest in plants and gardens. 

Kelly is a qualified music teacher and educator who has developed her short film as a preview of a song co-written with her ex-student Burra (Christopher) McHughes about the ancient fish traps "Ngungu" at Brewarrina NSW. It follows her journey in understanding contemporary First Nations stories as she hopes to share the story of the river that Burra wanted everyone to hear and learn from our First Nations community and how they cared for this Country.