VCA School of Film and Television

Arguably Russia’s most famous folk song, Dark Eyes has captured hearts around the world for the past 100 years. This portrait explores the song’s somewhat controversial history, its musical versatility and its cultural relevance. Performances by Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Liberace, a 13-piece orchestra and a Russian folk group make it clear why Dark Eyes has stood the test of time.

A girl stands on a lonely road looking into the distance and into her future.

The once celebrated graphic designer Paul Andrews has fallen from grace. Battling against the demands of vacuous clients, deprived of his voice, he descends into an obsessive and distorted search for creative expression.

It's Tom's first day on the job. He's already having doubts about his career. Jimmy's not making life any easier.

Two strangers meet whilst both working a shift at a dodgy restaurant in Melbourne's CBD.

Follows a group of young Australians who stutter as they take part in a 10-week performing arts program to create a unique theatre piece, which they’ll perform for family and friends.

When Jade’s oldest and dearest friend begins to prioritise the needs of someone new at their weekly social netball game, her deepest fear of losing the friendship begins to consume her. While the teams wait for the harsh winter rain to ease so they can resume their game, Jade aggressively attempts to win back her status during a seemingly friendly, low-stakes card game.

Set in remote China, 'The Corn is Flowering' is a meditative story about how a family deals with a dying grandfather, as seen through the eyes of the six year old granddaughter.

Follows Yo, Siyuan and Mia, three young women who, using the mobile application Replika, have formed romantic relationships with virtual partners. This short documentary captures the richness of these bonds, from philosophical questions to intimate moments to the real sense of security and companionship afforded by these artificially intelligent lovers.

Adam Elliot's earliest film, Human Behavioral Case Studies, is a drawn animation rather than claymation like his other films. It's about unusual human behaviors or obsessions. At only a minute long, it's just long enough to be memorably, darkly amusing.

A video tape is stolen that contains information dangerous to both the government and the casino and they will do anything to get it back. The man who stole it has other plans, as do a third party of heavies who turn up out of nowhere.

All Andrew wants is a change of scenery, but his grimy new St Kilda apartment has other ideas.

After eight seasons of poor off-screen behaviour, sitcom character Martin Dreggs has been killed off. Will the actor who plays him get a second chance at fame when the show broadcasts live? Drawing from sitcom inspirations absorbed throughout an entire childhood, writer/director Samuel Bortolazzo stages a complex family dilemma within the vessel of a television sitcom.

A man trying to propose to his girlfriend is blindsided by the telepathic accusations of a childhood teddy bear.

Ruby has started a business baking cakes from home. At the last minute, she has been tasked with creating the centrepiece cake at a friend’s wedding. Now, along with her aloof partner Tom, she must navigate a broken-down car, dismissive parents, unhelpful friends and other obstacles in order to make it to the wedding on time.

Good Grief is a short stop motion animated documentary that explores the lessons we learn from dealing with grief and loss. Five real people share their true stories of losing something precious and what it has taught them about living.

In a not-so-distant future, scientists have discovered immortality. What follows is a surreal exploration of the sometimes banal, sometimes chaotic consequences, begging the question: is there meaning in infinity?

Why do babies cry? And how on earth do you stop them? A sadly amusing examination of the human condition, this striking hand-drawn animation sets a breakneck pace as we delve into the realm of the subconscious.

In a used-car yard lives Tony, a wacky, waving inflatable-tube man, who dreams of being more than just an advertising gimmick. Spending his days flapping in the wind and peeking in the office window, Tony is mesmerised by a commercial for an all-new, shiny red convertible. Whisked away by his imagination, he dreams of a world beyond his own and a life behind the wheel. As time moves on, Tony becomes as tired and worn as the used-car yard. But when the car he’s longed for finally arrives in the dealership, Tony is forced to break his limits to protect his dream from a group of thieves.

A young woman walks through a void plagued with strange objects that cause her body to physically distort. Wiping her mind in an effort to free herself, she becomes unhinged from what little reality she has.