Featuring the latest and most exciting short films from Down Under, the annual program returns with award-winning shorts.

Asia Society, the long-time home base in New York City for Australian Short Film Today, is proud to present this annual screening after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The 90-minute program features award-winning eclectic short films from Down Under, ranging from wry Australian humor, dark comedy, live action drama and clever animation.

After the screening there will be a short Q&A, followed by a reception.

6:30-8:30 p.m. Film Screenings

8:30-10:00 p.m. Reception 

Co-sponsored by Chris and Francesca Beale and the American Australian Association.

Program

AYAAN 
Drama 
2020. 7 mins.
Writer/Director: Alies Sluiter
When a refugee, Ayaan, encounters an indigenious man on an Australian beach, she must decide whether to trust him, or journey on alone. 
Best Student Director, Australia Directors Guild 2020; Adrienne Shelly Director Award, Columbia University Film Festival; Best Short Film, Best Director, CinefestOz 2021.

THE EGG
Comedy/Drama
2019. 10 mins.
Writer/Director: Jane Cho
A young girl, bored in a muted world of foreign suburbia, becomes determined to claim an Easter egg as her own. No matter the cost.
Best Short Film, Melbourne International Film Festival 2019; Stockholm International Film Festival 2020; Dendy Awards Finalist, Sydney Film Festival 2019; Best Short Film & Best Director, St Kilda International Film Festival; Best Short Film, AACTA 2019.

ELDERS
Drama
2019. 10 mins.
Director: Tony Briggs.  Writer: Tracey Rigney.
Two elders take their grandson ‘out bush’ and put him to the test.
ImagiNATIVE; Berlinale; Melbourne International Film Festival; SFF 2019; Irish Film Institute Family Festival 2021; Best Short Film Sahasrara FF 2021.

IDOL
Drama
2020. 19 mins
Writer/Director: Alex Wu
A young Chinese celebrity is called into an emergency meeting by hos manager after a fan commits suicide.
Dendy Award for Best Australian Live Action Short Film, Sydney Film Festival; Spirit Award in Narrative, Brooklyn Film Festival.

GROUNDHOG NIGHT
Comedy 
2020. 15 mins.
Directors: Genevieve Clay-Smith & Rawley Reynolds.  
Gary’s so used to caring for his disabled daughter, Jess, he can do it in his sleep. But when the in-laws come to stay, everyone will get a wake-up call.
Sydney Film Festival; St Kilda Film Festival

ROBOROVSKI
Animated comedy 
2021. 15 mins.
Directors: Tilda Cobham-Hervey and Dev Patel
Writers: Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Dev Patel and John Collee
A tiny hamster spends his days in Marvin’s Pet Shop, hoping to find a family.
Adelaide Film Festival; Award for Best Australian Animation, Flickerfest

SKEWWHIFF
Drama 
2018. 12 mins.
Director/Writer: Robin Summons
A man insists on granting his wife’s wish of taking their car through a car wash.
Clermont Ferrand Film Festival; St Kilda Film Festival