Melanie Perkins is CEO and co-founder of Canva, an online visual communication and collaboration platform with a mission to empower the whole world to design.Since launching in 2013, Canva has more than 190 million monthly users around the world, and has achieved the milestone of more than $2.3 billion in annualised revenue. From presentations to videos and websites, more than 25 billion designs have been created with the platform (200 every second) across more than 190 different countries and 100 different languages.

Adam Spencer is a mathematician and comedian. He has hosted two top-rating breakfast radio shows, multiple TV productions, author 7 best-selling popular mathematics compendiums, deliver one of the all time nerdiest TED talks on massive prime numbers

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Grace Brown is the CEO, Founder, Engineer @ Andromeda Robotics

A Mechatronics Engineering graduate from the University of Melbourne, Grace has always been driven by a passion for robotics and STEM. During university, she conceptualised Abi—a humanoid robot inspired by the magic of Disney & Pixar. Recognising the deepening isolation brought on by COVID-19, Grace founded Andromeda Robotics with a mission to introduce Abi’s companionship into homes worldwide. With accolades from the AWS Robotics Startup Accelerator, Future Minds, 7News, and Vogue Codes, Grace’s vision merges technology with the heartfelt needs of humanity.

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Professor Chris Lawrence is a proud Wadjak/Ballardong man from the Noongar Nation and Founder and Lead of the first National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA) with the Australian Space Agency and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Former Dean and Professor of Indigenous Engagement at Curtin University, Professor Lawrence has a strong track record of creating greater opportunities to support Aboriginal students, staff, partners and community members. With exemplary experience, networks and academic performance across research, education and engagement – particularly in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities – Professor Lawrence drives contributions from the Faculties of IT and Engineering to the broader University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Framework: 2019 – 2030 and Impact 2030.

Underpinning his work at Monash is a focus on collaborating with Aboriginal communities in Victoria – using technology and innovation to improve their health, wellbeing and education while fostering more ‘tech-smart’ communities through co-design. Working with researchers across the faculty, he also engages Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in schools and high schools to nurture the next digital and space explorer workforce of the future.

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Professor Simmons is the Founder and CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing and the Director of the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology. As an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow, she has pioneered unique technologies internationally to build electronic devices in silicon at the atomic scale, including the world's smallest transistor, the narrowest conducting wires, 3D atomic electronics and the first two qubit gate using atom-based qubits in silicon. Her team is at the forefront of the global race to develop a quantum computer in silicon. Michelle is one of a handful of researchers in Australia to have twice received an Australian Research Council Federation Fellowship and now a Laureate Fellowship. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, the American Academy of Arts and Science, the American Association of the Advancement of Science, the UK Institute of Physics, the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering and the Australian Academy of Science.

In 2018 Professor Simmons was named Australian of the Year, one of the nation’s pre-eminent awards.

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Noelle Russell is the Founder and Chief AI Officer at the AI Leadership Institute. She is a multi-award-winning technologist with an entrepreneurial spirit who specialises in helping companies with data, cloud, conversational AI, Generative AI and LLMs, and is a consistent champion for Data and AI literacy and is the founder of the "I ❤️ AI" Community teaching responsible AI for everyone.

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The technologies Martin has developed provide some of the biggest shifts in human connection and creativity since the invention of the computer.

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Armand Ruiz is the Vice President of Product Management for the AI Platform at IBM, where he leads the development of Generative AI products and offerings aimed at businesses. Born in Barcelona and based in the San Francisco Bay Area for the last 10 years working at the heart of innovation in Silicon Valley, Armand has worked with customers worldwide from all industries. He has spent over 13 years working in AI and Machine Learning, developing products and solutions that have reached millions of users. Armand is also the founder of a popular newsletter with more than 50k subscribers and shares his passion for AI with over 90k followers on LinkedIn and X.

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Julie Inman Grant is Australia’s eSafety Commissioner. In this role, Julie leads the world’s first government regulatory agency committed to keeping its citizens safer online.  

Julie has extensive experience in the non-profit and government sectors and spent two decades working in senior public policy and safety roles in the tech industry at Microsoft, Twitter and Adobe.  

The Commissioner’s career began in Washington DC, working in the US Congress and the non-profit sector before taking on a role at Microsoft. Julie’s experience at Microsoft spanned 17 years, serving as one of the company’s first and longest-standing government relations professionals, ultimately in the role of Global Director for Safety & Privacy Policy and Outreach. At Twitter, she set up and drove the company’s policy, safety & philanthropy programs across Australia, New Zealand & Southeast Asia.

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Rohit Bhargava is the founder of the Non-Obvious Company and is a 3-time Wall Street Journal best-selling author. He has delivered sold-out keynote sessions in 32 countries around the world and teaches marketing & persuasion at Georgetown University. Before becoming an entrepreneur, he spent 12 years working in the advertising industry and was a part of the world-renowned team at Ogilvy that pioneered new storytelling models for global brands based on behavioral psychology. Rohit is a dual citizen of the US and Australia and spent 5 years living and working in Sydney.

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Ryan Patel is a world-renowned futurist and go-to authority on global business, political economy, and corporate governance. An expert in scaling businesses, he has worked for startups to publicly traded companies; his extensive knowledge in strategic global market development, concept scalability, digital transformation, global trade, and consumer-driven marketing, making him a thought leader in the global business realm. He is a frequent TV contributor, Board Director, and Senior Fellow with the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University. He also hosts the Webby Award-nominated series The Moment with Ryan Patel, filmed at the iconic “Birthplace of Silicon Valley,” The HP Garage.

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Katherine Bennell-Pegg is an  Australian Astronaut and Space Systems Engineer. She is the first ever person to be trained as an astronaut under the Australian flag. Katherine was most recently a Director of Space Technology at the Australian Space Agency, where she contributed to growing Australia's space capability through being technical lead on scoping the nation's first Moon rover mission, developing plans to capitalise on Australia's space strengths, and managing the Access to Space Team. She has more than a decade of experience developing space programs and strategies, technologies, and missions across Europe, the UK, the US and Australia. These include the Orion vehicle that is taking humans back to the Moon, space station facilities, earth observation missions and robotic satellite capture technologies. 

Katherine has always dreamed of becoming an astronaut and in early 2023 took the giant leap to achieving that dream when she began astronaut training with the European Space Agency. Katherine currently lives in Germany with her husband and two young daughters while training at the European Astronaut Centre.

Katherine holds four degrees across science (physics major), space and aeronautical engineering. She is passionate about using human spaceflight and space to unlock opportunities for researchers and industry, as well as to inspire the next generation.

Katherine is a keen volunteer, having worked with the Australian Army Reserves, Surf Life Saving, State Emergency Service, and Engineers Without Borders Australia. Her hobbies include scuba diving, flying, reading, backyard astronomy, surfing, sailing, basketball, netball, tennis, hiking and cycling.

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Professional Ash Scatterer, Arthur, takes a job from a mysterious past familiar in the middle of the outback. Memories blur with the present as Arthur seeks answers for the unanswerable.

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Set in a small snow town just after winter, A Lovely Place explores the fickle yet, dark power of group mentality through the eyes of the outsiders.

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Two twins compare their different existences within the same world.

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When Yussef is forced to work the night of his daughter's piano recital he is determined to listen to her play at all costs.

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Encountering restlessness the night after her abortion, a young woman kills time in her apartment in the dead of night.

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Leo's got something important to discuss with his 8-year-old daughter - he's got a brain tumour. But when Luna hears 'brain tuna', her big imagination takes them both on a fantastical detour.

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When a vision impaired mother becomes convinced that the baby in her house is not the child she gave birth to, she must confront the shadowy figure of her mother that stalks her house and the creeping darkness before it consumes her.

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In the middle of nature, at the base of a cliff, two campers, intrigued by outside noises, cross the deserted landscape, lamp in hand.

Cracking, trickling and other sounds give life to these places, home to a silent fauna, almost invisible, but still very present.

This film was drawn and animated alone on a single sheet of paper as a performance.

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A timid office worker's life unravels after he fails to read the terms and conditions at a pseudo-health clinic.

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Stories have been told of a legendary craftsman during the Edo-era, by the name of Jingoro Hidari. Today, sculptures accredited to Jingoro can be found throughout Japan, but his very existence is yet to be confirmed. Having lost his foster parent and right arm to the betrayal of his senior apprentices, Jingoro is on a journey of revenge with a mechanical prosthetic arm and his sidekick, "Sleeping Cat." People soon came to call him Jingoro "Hidari" because of his ability to artfully use his carpentry tools with only his left arm ("hidari" means "left" in Japanese). Finally, Jingoro faces one of his adversaries "Inumaru" and the curtains rise on a fight to the death.

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I used to have a ginger cat named Moosya when I was a child growing up in Canberra, and I miss him dearly. The only person who has any photos of the cat is my father—who raised me alone after my parents' divorce—but I haven’t spoken to him in 15 years. With my wife’s help, I reach out to him to ask for some photos.

Miraculously, my father responds and sends me not only Moosya's photos, but also some home videos from our personal archive. Among them is a video of 8-year-old me sitting in a big armchair, clutching Moosya, and talking about how my mother’s new boyfriend abused me and how much I hate both him and Mum.

Except, that's not how I remember it. It wasn't my mother's new boyfriend who abused me at all.

Prompted by the video, I agree to finally talk to my father. There is a dark secret hiding in our shared past, and I am ready to confront it.  

This film investigates how the act of remembering or forgetting trauma is a political act; a way for some people to exert control over their past, and for others, to escape it. It offers a visceral first-person account of how violence is erased from memory, and how that can be weaponized by those trying to contest its very existence. For many women, the conversation in this film will be familiar; women's experiences of domestic and sexual violence continue to be erased and distorted by the perpetrators and by society at large.

This film is for these women.

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A young man recovers his collection of red cars only to realise that the scale of his fantasies has changed.

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On a trip to Los Angeles to visit a new flame, Anna finds herself lost, stoned and alone… or is she?

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Every gaze carries within it the potential for profound understanding.

Through the lens of a woman's eyes, we watch a private performance where sight transcends mere observation, becoming a vessel for connection and empathy.

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On a road trip with her younger sister, Charlie struggles to hide a secret addiction.

Jordan is a refined, calculated doctor with high standards.  His boyfriend, Grant, is a pathological narcissist with loose morals.  Jordan prepares what seems like a romantic bath for Grant, but shatters the mood with a sudden accusation of infidelity.  As Grant attempts to smooth-talk his way out of trouble, the grisly truth of Jordan's intentions bubbles to the surface.

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Mary Chang, a 22-year-old slacker, accidentally eats her housemate’s weed cookie before a family Chinese New Year celebration.

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‘Get On With It’ follows Frankie, an eight year old girl with a very active imagination. Frankie finds out for the first time in a game of ‘Death Stuck In The Mud’ that everyone dies in real life. As humans, we’re constantly working through that certainty, and in this film, we cut straight to the heart of it, through a child’s perspective. We stay with Frankie after she finds out, at her Grandad’s 73rd birthday party, and become witness to her fear, fuelled by erratic imaginings on all the ways people can possibly die.

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A couple's picnic is disturbed by what may or may not be a mime.

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With the help of her family, Bee puts on a period party to celebrate the return of her period after a battle with anorexia.

Mum's neurotic, Dad's embarrassing and Gran doesn't quite get it. Plus little sibling Lou is a wee bit scarred. While the vagina cake melts and the uterus piñata awaits a beating, Bee comes to terms with the messiness of family and womanhood.

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THE MUSE is a psychological drama short film premised upon the relationship between a reclusive photographer and her unknowing muse. Through the lens of longing, a voyeuristic photographer (HANNAH LEVIEN) doesn't just capture images, but unknowingly immerses herself in an intricate tapestry of interconnected lives. As her unknowing muse (PERRY MOONEY) discovers the photographer’s images, both fear and intrigue consume her. She must weigh the allure of the unrequited yet gratifying gaze against the potential risks it poses. In this complex narrative, the boundaries between hunter and hunted become hazy, propelling both characters into a mesmerising dance of intimacy and intrigue.

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A porn addict's life falls apart.

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A man takes the stand to deliver a eulogy at his wife's funeral, forcing him to revisit memories of their life together. As he travels back through time, he grapples with those moments, now bittersweet, as he searches for a meaningful way to close out that chapter of his life.

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In Tijuana, Mexico, Laura is accepted to a dance master’s program abroad and has to quickly make a decision.
​She goes out with her friend, Ana, who assumes that she won't accept the offer because she's still hung up with her ex, José. Throughout the evening in the downtown district, Laura notices various girls that are carefully watching her wherever she goes. Distracted and anxious, she can’t make herself have fun like her friends, and is constantly annoyed by the assumptions they make of her. After an encounter with José later in the night, Laura takes his body to a coven of vampire dancers– the girls she saw throughout the night– and is initiated into the group.

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Displaced by the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, Anna has re-settled in rural Australia with a defeated husband and alienated son. After reluctantly renouncing her Hungarian nationality, Anna is haunted by her guilt, which manifests as a terrifying white presence that threatens to replace her.

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Deep in the South Korean mountainside, a young domestic worker has her chores interrupted by news that will forever change her.

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A privileged family, gathered for a wake, find their perfect home under attack from the desperate survivors of a parasitic pandemic.

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In the late 19th century, South Australia was in the grip of a mighty drought. Farmer’s wives had almost no agency – they were chattel, like the land itself, which had in turn been stolen. It was the women who carried the mercilessness of the men’s rage against the land. Adapted from the poem Dust by Anna Spargo-Ryan.

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After being attacked by two burglars, Emmy must see if she can escape her desperate situation.

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Summer is invited to a sleepover with a new group of friends, but when their makeover starts to take a dark turn, Summer is tested just how far she will go to fit in.

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Denied the coveted set menu for dining alone at a famously exclusive restaurant, Frances strikes an unexpected deal with a stranger to access both the menu and a night of peace and solitude.

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Determined and aspiring cake-maker Ruby and her aloof partner Tom must deliver a wedding cake out of town, forcing them to rely on their family and friends who consistently can't seem to spare a second thought to anything beyond their own self-involved lives.

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Corey goes to Las Vegas to meet the other Corey.

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In a dystopian world, a creature attends a feast hosted by a magical fridge. Thus begins his downfall in a spiral of unbridled food consumption. Corrupted and transformed into a beast, he faces a macabre final course.

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Lexi, a struggling young mom, has the opportunity to become a registered nurse. But on the day of her big interview, her estranged father reveals the news of her mother’s ailing health. Lexi must decide whether to reconnect with family, in hopes it may help her with a letter of recommendation or protect the life she has created with her son, Tyler. In doing so, she must confront her difficult past, all while introducing her son to her childhood home.

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Producer, director and screenwriter of several short films with more than 250 selections in national and international festivals. He is currently preparing his first feature film, "#thechallenge", a found footage horror film, as well as other genre projects such as the horror thriller "Delivery",  the fantasy drama "Bramble" and the teen horror movie "Mommy will always protect you".

In 2018 he published "Ajuar Funerario", a horror comic adapted from the book by Fernando Iwasaki.

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In the future no one can die and no one wants to live anymore. Two space pirate brothers must destroy an evil messiah to break the curse of immortality and deliver Humanity to its final resting place.

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When the music hits just right, pizza night turns into a nightmare.  This slick, pulse-pounding horror short by Gorgazma follows a group of unsuspecting friends as their favorite meal takes on a mind of its own—literally. With a fresh, modern twist on the 'body horror' genre, this fast-paced, darkly fun film will have you second-guessing your cravings. A chaotic thrill ride that fuses gory tension with a killer soundtrack—dig in, if you dare.

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A dog loses grasp of its shape and time while balling like Shaq.

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Tales from the Void is an episodic horror anthology series based on the most viral and haunting stories from r/NoSleep.  Inspired by Black Mirror and The Twilight Zone, Tales from The Void delves into the darker side of the human psyche showcasing the horrors mankind is capable of if given the right motivation.

Balancing social commentary with homage to the look-and-feel of horror classics, each episode takes place in a contained environment featuring seemingly ordinary people. Slowly introducing a character flaw or external force that alters their path toward a horrific twist ending.  

From creepy dolls to unborn children, unexplained invasions to creatures that stalk the night, unsolved mysteries to serial murders, Tales from the Void draws from a wide spectrum of horror sub-genres with each episode paying homage to a classic and cult films from the eighties and nineties.

Unnerving, uncompromising, and rooted in character, Tales From The Void finds all the ways to keep you up at night.

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Episode 1: Two years ago, 263 people died in the Lius' Commune tragedy. Miss Liu was the only survivor and was saved by Lantern Blade. In order to let Lantern Blade help her take revenge, she followed him to wander. Lantern Blade will kill when the lantern is on and specializes in killing the living dead. The two came to the town, and sinner Gushan was performing a ceremony to revive the Witch Mother.

Episode 2: The official organization Hoof wanted to stop Gushan's plan. To eliminate the Witch Mother, they need the blood of the Black Star, and Miss Liu is the Black Star. The chief of Hoof Shangshu sacrificed Miss Liu and tried to use her to kill the Witch Mother.

Episode 3: Lantern Blade got rid of the control of the Witch Mother and rescued Miss Liu. In the end, the matter was settled, and Gushan died. Miss Liu lost her memory, and Liu and Lantern Blade continued their journey.

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The Stan Original Series Thou Shalt Not Steal is an eight-episode road series set in Central and South Australia in the 1980s. On a search for the truth behind a family secret, Robyn, a young Aboriginal delinquent, escapes from detention and reluctantly teams up with awkward teenager Gidge. Together they flee her small central desert community on a perilous journey across the outback, finding answers and learning some hard life lessons along the way. Hot on their heels are Maxine, a sex worker whose taxi Robyn stole, and Gidge’s domineering father Robert, a fraudulent preacher.

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Palestinian-Syrian teenager Nasser and his older brother Yassin have been living in a Greek refugee camp, awaiting a decision on their asylum application. They pass the time recording comedy sketches, fantasizing of making zombie films and moving to Sweden. Nasser, however, feels increasingly trapped in this no-man’s-land. With nowhere to escape, Boiling tensions in the camp push Nasser to another world.

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Rachel doesn't realize she has grown up in captivity working for an advertising agency where her job is to assess Mommy 6.0, her favorite pop star in the whole entire world.

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In this personal and intimate film, writer-director Elizabeth Sankey uses her own story of being admitted to a psychiatric ward after the birth of her son to explore the unexpected yet compelling connections between perinatal mental health and the history and portrayal of witches in western society and pop culture. Using clips of cinema’s witches to illustrate her own experience and those of fellow sufferers, alongside interviews with medical professionals and academics, Sankey creates her own spell book for all to use.

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Haruka, Nana and Takanori visit the home of Souta, a band member they have lost contact with, only to find that the windows are covered with newspaper, creating an eerie atmosphere. Nana, guided by a mysterious force, removes the newspaper pasted at the back of the room and opens a door to anoth

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An innocent young man, Jack, goes on an epic quest to rescue his sister Lula after she has been kidnapped by the violent killer Cut Throat Bill and her gang. To save her, Jack enlists the help of a crafty bounty hunter named Reginald Jones, a grave-digging alcoholic son of an ex-slave, and a street-smart prostitute. The gang tracks Cut Throat Bill into the deadly no-man’s land known as The Big Thicket — a place where blood and chaos reign.

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Three ethnic school kids from Sydney's western suburbs form a punk band in the 80s. The Hard-Ons fight racism, the music industry and the rise of grunge with their pop punk noise, irreverent humour and absolute commitment to just being themselves. 'The pricks with the three different skin colours' - Ray Ahn

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The Human Hibernation is a film about human nature if it had been different.
Starting from the disappearance of Erin, a child who wakes up prematurely from hibernation, Clara, her older sister, will take us on a journey of searching for answers and confronting the narratives pre-established by the society in which she lives. One that hibernates during the coldest months of the year.
A reflection on the human being, contradiction and the animal condition.

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Hanako, vocalist of the now iconic punk band "The Gesuidouz", along with guitarist Masao, bassist Ryuzo, and drummer Santarou, face a question from a foreign interviewer… “What does music mean to you?”. Hanako reflects on the band's journey, beginning under a small record label.
The Gesuidouz are confronted by a pile of unsold albums and dwindling audience numbers. Their manager, Takamura, proposes a last-ditch effort: relocate to the countryside, compose a new song, and if it's a hit, he won’t drop them from the record label. Seeing it as their final opportunity, Hanako, grappling with a belief that she will die at age 27, holds onto her rock star dreams and agrees. With a beat up van full of equipment and unsold albums, the band settles in a remote village with no cell phone service.

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Synesthete Totsuko can see others as colors. Honour student Kimi has dropped out of school but still pretends to attend for her grandmother's sake. They reunite and decide to form a band with Rui, who dreams of composing on analog synthesizers but whose mother expects him to become a doctor. Together, they find freedom, joy, and love.

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A sexless couple, paranoid about the status of their relationship, embraces surveillance, spying and performance as a means to fall in love again, in this absurd, high-concept comedy from Eugene Kotlyarenko (Spree, Wobble Palace).

When Celine (Dasha Nekrasova) begins filming a documentary about her failing relationship, her boyfriend, Jay (Peter Vack), becomes suspicious that she may have an ulterior motive: to cancel him. In a paranoid attempt to seize authorship over the film, Jay sets up hidden cameras and tries to entrap Celine into problematic behavior he can record as insurance. As their secret surveillance escalates, they find themselves creating a movie full of absurd, erotic and highly performative scenes, with a wild cast of characters. But when another couple’s whirlwind marriage puts Jay and Celine’s dysfunctional dynamic into perspective, the two of them must use all the cinematic moments they've shared to try and save their love, in this high-concept relationship comedy that asks, “Who’s in control of the narrative?”

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Filmed during The Teaches of Peaches Anniversary Tour in 2022, this  documentary seamlessly weaves together exclusive archival gems with dynamic tour footage capturing the transformative journey of Canadian Merrill Nisker into the internationally acclaimed cultural powerhouse Peaches.
From the inception of the stage show to the rigorous rehearsal and riveting performances, the film provides an intimate look at the inner workings of a tour led by this beloved and globally celebrated icon. As a feminist musician, producer, director, and performance artist, Peaches has spent over two decades challenging gender stereotypes, solidifying her status alongside pop and music industry icons. Her fearless originality has challenged social norms, dismantled stereotypes, and confronted patriarchal power structures. Through biting wit, she advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights and tackles issues of gender and sexual identity, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.

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Roy’s attempt to end his life fails when a woman dressed in a monkey suit intervenes. Beneath the furry costume is Jane, who is in the process of escaping a toxic relationship.

Empowered by her alter ego “Monkey”, Jane commandeers Roy and his silver airstream and they take to the open road. The unlikely duo soon hatch a plan that could help finance a new life but could also land them in jail! Hot on their heels is Jane’s controlling partner Wade, who aims to put an end to Jane’s new found freedom.

This unconventional comedy is about two people on the edge of life who find purpose and romance through an unlikely connection, both escaping the darkness in search of some sunlight.

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A contemporary portrait of America, told through a collection of stories observed within the walls of former Pizza Hut buildings across the country.  These nostalgic spaces hold memories of a bygone era, but through the power of transformation, they provide something new and special for the communities that continue to flow through them.

From an LGBTQ+ church in Florida, to a karaoke bar in Texas, to a cannabis dispensary in rural Colorado, these modern-day portraits are paralleled with the origin story of Pizza Hut - one of America's most iconic brands, and the two brothers who founded the company in Wichita, Kansas in 1958.

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Divine G (Colman Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t  commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men, including wary newcomer (Clarence Maclin), in this stirring true story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art, starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors.

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After her mother's unexpected passing, Mattia finds herself thrust into the care of her estranged aunt & her mother’s identical twin. As Mattia grapples with the loss of her mother, a treacherous secret begins to unfold, threatening her life. From beyond the grave, Mattia’s mother possesses her daughter in an attempt not only to protect her from the same fate that befell her but also to find reconciliation with her sister, using food as a gateway.

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Very few artists lived their art, Genesis died three times for it. Pioneering electronic musician/avant garde artist/spiritual explorer/gender revolutionary/cult leader?

Genesis P. Orridge has been featured in numerous films and videos, but never the full story…never this intimate... until now. In this authorized but extremely raw and personal documentary, award-winning director David Charles Rodrigues (Gay Chorus Deep South) documents the final year of P-Orridge’s existence as they grapple with mortality. Featuring William Burroughs, Brion Gyson, Timothy Leary, Alice Genesse (PTV), David J (Bauhaus/Love and Rockets), Nepalese monks, African Witch doctors and a special cameo by her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, plus never before seen archival treasures, performances from COUM Transmissions, Throbbing Gristle and Psychic TV. This film is Executive Produced by LAURA JANE GRACE — trans activist and AGAINST ME! singer.

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Directed by Dan Baebler

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Directed by Kaius Potter

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January 2009 in Tobyhanna, PA. Three young men (Jack Bensinger, Eric Rahill and Conner O’Malley) self-document their attempt to write and record a rap album in one night. Shot on digital video from the era, this hazy portrayal of after-hours suburban life captures the inescapable boredom as a catalyst for bad decisions.

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Directed by Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore

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Three Australian girls seek the ultimate success in the world of competitive skateboarding while sliding into an adolescence without handrails.

QUEENS OF CONCRETE is a seven-year journey following three talented young skateboarders—Hayley (14), Ava (13), and Charlotte (9)—each with dreams of representing Australia at the Olympic Games. Nationally recognised as top competitors in their age groups, these girls are strong contenders. However, as childhood naivety fades, their Olympic ambitions evolve into a tale of resilience, triumph, and self-discovery.

QUEENS OF CONCRETE stands apart from traditional sports documentaries with its ethereal score, serene and visually striking footage, and unique directing approach. Director Eliza Cox patiently documents the girls' lives over the years, creating intimate portraits of their individual journeys while reflecting a universal truth—life often deviates from our expectations. Cox’s coming-of-age documentary offers a gripping and at times devastating look into the challenges these girls face while growing up.

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Directed by Anne Berry.

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Written by Rainbow Chan.

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Directed by Bel Downie

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Get an all-access pass into the masterminds behind Grammy award-winning band The Mars Volta: Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala. Whittled down from hundreds of hours of footage shot by Omar throughout their lives, the film shows the iconic duo’s journey from the hardcore scene in El Paso, Texas, to rock and roll acclaim; from growing up as minorities to their rise to success; from struggles with loss, addiction, and scientology to their blazing come-back. A uniquely personal chronicle of the life-long friendship between two era-defining artists, the film is a depiction of love, death, and inspiration – with a soundtrack that has defined a generation.

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Jon Baxter's journey from military serviceman to acclaimed director is a testament to his passion and determination. At just 23, after completing his military service, Jon channeled his disciplined mindset and creative drive into founding JÁEN, a production company that has since made a significant mark in the film and media industry. Over the past decade, Jon has guided JÁEN to produce groundbreaking music videos and high-profile commercial campaigns, establishing himself as an illustrious director. Now, with ten successful years behind him, Jon is setting his sights on the world of feature films, ready to bring his storytelling talents to the big screen.

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Directed by Black Dahlia

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A 21-year-old construction worker in New Mexico joins a community of queer rodeo performers in search of their own version of the American dream.

Dylan lives an isolated life of routine in rural New Mexico, working odd construction jobs to help support his little brother and alcoholic mother. He accepts a gig working at the House of Splendor, a homestead built by a community of queer rodeo performers and ranchers, and soon the indefinable magic of an untamed America unfolds before him. Finding space to explore and discover himself, he becomes entwined in the life of Sky, a talented barrel racer and free spirit. While working together in the breathtaking expanse of the Southwest, they contend with the undeniable forces of nature, family, and love.

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Directed by Ant Candlish & Jacob Sandor Tamas. Written by Ant Candlish.

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Nearly 15 years later, Vita (Odessa Young), recounts making her first feature - a semi-autobiographical film about a young woman who gets pregnant and decides to leave home. Being an enthusiastic but inexperienced filmmaker, the shoot is chaotic, and her ego-tripping methods destroy the production. As her “first film” falls apart, director Zia Anger stages a lyrical auto-critique that probes the nature of artistic truth and personal mythmaking.

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Directed by Ant Candlish & Jacob Sandor Tamas.

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Written by Ant Candlish.

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Directed by Andy Freer & Daniell Flood

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Montreal video artist Maurane and New Yorker poet Billy Pedlow immerse themselves in an exercise of total honesty to recreate their first dates, which quickly turn into romantic chaos.

“Blurring the line between fiction and nonfiction, ME AND MY VICTIM is about co-directors and subjects, Maurane and Billy Pedlow, who are not quite friends and not quite lovers and the true, messy, and kind-of-fucked-up story about how they met. A messy, whirlwind, imperfect, orgasmic, meme-inflected, jump into the rabbit hole of their on-again, off-again situationship, their ultra-micro-budget (the film was made for less than $1000 US) confession playfully captures the humanity of love and lust in the 21st Century.”

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Written and directed by Freyja Benjamin.

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Jae-hee is a free-spirited young woman, who is completely unconcerned with other people’s opinions and draws attention with her bold style and daring attitude.

Heung-soo, who has caught Jae-hee's eye but never sparked her interest, faces a major crisis as his most guarded secret is discovered by none other than Jae-hee!

But through this, Jae-hee and Heung-soo come to realize that although they may not be each other's ideal types, they share special moments that only they can understand.

Putting aside the rampant rumors churned by others, Jae-hee and Heung-soo choose to live and love on their own terms, embarking on a journey of cohabitation.

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Directed by Turk Lees

Genevieve is a Brisbane-based screen producer with a speciality in short-form digital content. With a passion for bold, cathartic stories, Genevieve gives microphones to mavericks, illuminates innovators and paints a picture of artists.

Genevieve is the head producer and co-founder of Stranger Films, a production company and collaboration with writer/director Tony Walsh. Throughout her career she has worked with international brands including Vice, National Geographic, Hasbro, Lululemon and local brands like Great Northern and Pillow Talk. She has also partnered with larger production companies in producing digital ancillary content and EPK material for their shows online.

Her most recent creative project, a music video for Brisbane indie band ‘Spring Hill Walkers Club’ is screening at SXSW Sydney 2024 and won Best Asia & Pacific Music Video at the International Music Video Awards.

Her last narrative project, a pilot for a new comedy series titled ‘For a Good Cause’ has received a great reception online and international market interest.

Genevieve is also currently developing a slate of disruptive content at Stranger Films to take to SVOD and digital platforms, with a focus on telling poignant stories in new and emerging formats.

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Written and Directed by Ollie Jones

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Directed by Ziggy Ramo

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Directed by Conor Mercury

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Directed by Kieran Mpetyane Satour

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Directed by Thorsten Hertog

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Written & Directed by Finegan Sampson

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Directed by Ben Bloom & Gemma Owens.

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Written by Gemma Owens.

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A group of New York City psychics conduct deeply intimate readings for their clients, revealing a kaleidoscope of loneliness, connection, and healing.

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After being transferred from juvenile to adult prison, Mel Blight (Vincent Miller) is taken under the wing of both Mark Shepard (Cosmo Jarvis), Australia’s most despised criminal, and Warren Murfett (Guy Pearce), a soon-to-be-a-paroled inmate. As a paternal triangle grows between them, we see that even the worst of men have a little bit of good inside that will be their undoing.

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January 2021. The UK is in its 3rd lockdown and all entertainment venues remain closed. For theatre actors Sam and Mark, the future looks bleak. As the pandemic drags on, Mark - single and childless - is increasingly socially isolated, while Sam panics about how he is going to support his young family. They spend their days in the online digital world of Grand Theft Auto and when they stumble across a theatre, they suddenly have an idea to stage a full production of Hamlet within the game. This film charts their ridiculous, hilarious and moving adventure as they battle violent griefers and discover surprising truths about life, friendship and the enduring power of Shakespeare.

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Karin, 11 years old, finds herself abandoned by her father in a small Japanese town, where her grandfather, a monk, resides. Her grandfather asks Anzu, his jovial and helpful, although rather capricious, ghost cat, to look after her. As their spirited personalities collide, sparks fly—yet perhaps only in the beginning.

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Damon Gameau (2040, THAT SUGAR FILM) takes eight kids on the ultimate school excursion: a road trip across Europe to seek solutions to the climate crisis.

Millions of children around the world are frustrated by the dire lack of action to protect the planet and their future. Until now, their only avenue to express these concerns has been protesting on the streets. Director Damon Gameau (2040, THAT SUGAR FILM) invites eight children on an epic adventure across Europe in a school bus powered by biofuel. Their mission is to better understand the planet’s predicament, explore solutions and, most importantly, take the conversation from the streets, into the boardrooms of some of the world’s largest polluters and influential companies.

This inspiring and rollicking journey, where ‘School of Rock’ meets ‘An Inconvenient Truth', results in the children forming a ‘Future Council’ to advise and influence the world's most powerful companies on their decisions that impact nature.

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After calling a late-night party hotline that promises out-of-this-world fun, uptight yuppie Conor Sweeney must battle the pint-sized forces of evil unleashed through his phone line, led by the maniacal rock n’ roll goblin FRANKIE FREAKO.

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In 2008, during the last month of summer before high school begins, an impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom.

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Being human is challenging, and being a ghost is not a cakewalk! A rookie ghost realises she has only 30 days left before fading away. Makoto, a ghost agent, invites her to team up with the washed-up ghost champion Catherine.
Their mission is to revive the legend of haunting ghosts in The Lucky Hotel. In the afterlife, ghosts must be frightening enough to survive. The world after death is far from idyllic. "I don't want to be forgotten by this world!" becomes their final conviction. The ghosts about to sink without trace strive to become
the scariest legends. They believe, "As long as you have the talent to scare, you will be seen!"

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When true-crime podcaster and sleuth Lola visits her hometown at Christmas for the first time since running away and transitioning, the vengeful ghost of a historical murderer and urban legend seemingly arises to kill again. Lola must solve the case before her community is slaughtered. She's up against not only a psychotic killer, but a town haunted by secrets.

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After becoming pregnant from a one-night stand, Eden leans on her married best friend and mother of two, Dawn, to guide her through gestation and beyond.

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In a world where no one speaks, a devout female-led community hunts down a young woman who has escaped imprisonment. Recaptured, Azrael is due to be sacrificed to an ancient evil in the wilderness, but fights for her own survival.

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Forgotten soap-star and self-appointed Mother of the Year, Ronnie Lipsick is living the life she never asked for. An acting career derailed due to an untimely pregnancy 18 years earlier, dreams of stardom replaced with a suburban performing arts school. A husband, Cormack, who’s lust and love for life has gone as limp as his manhood. Youngest daughter, Norah, who appears to have no use for her and finally, the ungrateful eldest, Audrey, who Ronnie has given the best part of her parenting time to mould into the success she always wanted to be. But when an accident lands Audrey in a coma, Ronnie gets her second chance at the life she actually wanted by taking on her daughter's identity.

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Andamooka is a story about a woman whose life falls apart just before she turns 30, she heads to the outback to spend her birthday with her best friend in tiny opal mining town Andamooka.

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Join acclaimed actor, developer and game director Abubakar Salim as he explores the universe of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU. Inspired by Bantu tales and rich with untold lore of chaos and order, ZAU follows the story of a young shaman who must face three mighty beasts to save his father. Prior to launching his new studio, Surgent Studios, Abubakar lent his voice to lead character Bayek of Siwa in Assassin's Creed: Origins, Eros in Stray Gods and Rokhan in the World of Warcraft franchise. He also appears in the latest season of House of the Dragon as Alyn of Hull.

Join us for a silly exploration of bugs and glitches from our detective adventure / dating game ShelfLife: Art School Detective! ShelfLife has been a project long in the making, which means dormant entities lurk in our project files. We will be discussing how ShelfLife: Art School Detective has evolved from "walking simulator" to "queer art school mystery romcom" -- and which forgotten features became vestigial along the way! We'll share insight into our project, exploring how necessary evolution in our game design guided us to a clear vision. What happens when we visit forgotten areas from an ancient prototype? How does our current build cope when we reintroduce deprecated systems? This session will explore the iterative (sometimes chaotic) nature of indie game development.

Welcome to the farm, where the sun is hot, the grass is green, and the horses are waiting for you. But as the sun sets, and shadows creep across the land, the tranquility fades, and the farm's facade begins to crumble. Join solo game developer Andrea Lucco Borlera and Pietro Righi Riva from Italy-based studio Santa Ragione as he traverses one of the most exciting and  bizarre games of the year HORSES.

INDIKA tells the story of a young nun who sets off on a journey of self-discovery with the most unusual companion by her side, the devil himself. Join Studio Head Dmitry Svetlow as he explores alternate 19th-century Russia in this visually captivating and narratively gripping story in one of the most memorable games of the year.

Celebrate the launch of SXSW Sydney Games Festival at the Opening Night Party on Wednesday 16 October. Connect with developers, creators and games industry professionals at the iconic Abercrombie.

Join us at the SXSW Sydney Game and Screen Awards for an evening of entertainment, karaoke, and recognition as we honor the best filmmakers and game developers of 2024. Celebrate the excellence in this year's screen and games program!

Awards Include:

Game
- Best International Game
- Best Student Game
- Best Tabletop Game
- People's Choice Award
- Discovery Award
- Game of the Year

Screen
- Best Feature Film
- Best Short Film
- Best Episodic
- Best Music Video
- Best XR
- Best Student
- Audience Award

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The Midnighters program encompasses work that delves into dark, eerie, humorous, provocative and controversial territory. Midnighters caters to an audience that seeks out the strange and the unknown, often featuring a curated selection of outsider perspectives and narratives that challenge mainstream conventions. A selection of screenings, hands-on games and commentary sessions, our Thursday night Midnighters Screen Showcase is a special celebration of bold and unconventional media, tailored to those who revel in the unexpected.

Dust off your hat, shine up your spurs, and finally justify to yourself why you own those chaps. It’s time to saddle up for an evening of western games at the Cowboy Games Showcase. Banned phrases include: “Rootin’-tootin,” “There’s a snake in my boot” and “It’s really more of a neo-noir with classic western aesthetics

India is the second largest active gaming market in the world. WIth nearly 10 billion gaming app downloads in 2023, India dominates the mobile games market industry. However with the rise of PC and console gaming, creators across India are flourishing in new frontiers of game development. Join speakers from Niku Games, GameChangersIndia and imissmyfriends.studio as they discuss the changing markets in India and the growth of the indie games community.

Learn from leading indie publishers as they discuss the latest trends in the games industry.  Participate in focused conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing the ever changing landscape of games publishing. Join leaders from Kwalee, Raw Fury, Santa Ragione, CRITICAL REFLEX and Astra Logical as they deep dive into scouting, selection strategies and their unique publishing methods.

Are you a game developer frustrated by the outdated and cumbersome Australian games classification system? You're not alone. Join industry experts and fellow developers to delve into the intricacies of this challenging framework. Discover the historical reasons behind its complexities and learn practical strategies to navigate and work around its limitations. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and make your development process smoother and more efficient.

Despite record profits and an emerging transmedia boom, the games industry is falling apart. Industry consolidation and the production of projects "too big to fail" has exposed the medium to widespread risk rather than safety--and by all indications, this escalation will only become worse in the coming years. In this talk, Strange Scaffold studio head Xalavier Nelson Jr. (El Paso, Elsewhere, Life Eater, Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator) discusses how he's built a game studio to survive this investment climate--and how attendees are uniquely empowered to do the same with holistic production methodologies and a focus on long-term sustainability.

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion delving into the intricate world of character creation in video games, with a spotlight on how video games can empower the identity of underrepresented groups. From the binary constraints of traditional narratives to the boundless possibilities of inclusive storytelling, our diverse panel of experts will explore the evolving landscape of representation. Dive deep into the challenges, triumphs, and ethical considerations surrounding the portrayal of diverse characters in gaming, as we strive to foster empathy, understanding, and empowerment within virtual worlds. Discover how thoughtful design and narrative choices can pave the way for richer, more authentic gaming experiences for all players.

Chances are, you have one or more relationships with virtual characters in your life today, but perhaps you don’t think of them that way. Teddy Dief - Co-Designer of Hyper Light Drifter & Game Director of We Are OFK, will walk through how virtual identity has progressed since the 1960s across television, music, games, and VTubers. Then they will dive into the meat of how the virtual band OFK was conceived and constructed. The design pillars, techniques, and social priorities of Team OFK as it operated during the creation of the We Are OFK game, and how it continues to operate as a band. Learn how a game may have the opportunity, and the challenges, of virtual characters and parasocial relationship design. Learn how to do it, how you can go horribly wrong, how you can harm people, and how, instead, you may help them.

Join our panel of crowdfunding experts as they discuss how they successfully navigated the complexities of launching, managing, marketing and following through on the promises of crowdfunding campaigns. Learn from the experts across digital and tabletop industries as they share their experiences running successful campaigns.

Delve into the enchanting world of Tamriel with Rich Lambert, the visionary Game Director behind the critically acclaimed MMORPG, Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). Discover the intricate storytelling, dynamic world-building, and innovative gameplay mechanics that have captivated millions of players worldwide. Gain exclusive insights into the development process of ESO, and learn how the team at ZeniMax Online Studios brings this vast, immersive universe to life.

This is a Lovecraftian horror, Point and Click adventure game. Ed broke the curfew to visit his friends in order to find out the truth of his granddaughter's disappearance, but the truth was far more terrible than he thought...

Game Features:
- Black and white hand-painted art, set in the 70s of a parallel universe.
- You have a Keeper with you throughout the game.
- Using your "Awake" to explore the secrets hidden within.
- Illustrations of character or object closeups are used in the conversations. Observe carefully, and you may discover something useful.

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When Miho steps into the pantry to get a potato for his grandmothers' soup, he's pulled into a distant fantastical land where he must retrace the steps of a mysterious great traveler before him.

He must venture through a world of endless deserts, floating mountains, and talking beasts, outsmarting thieves and meeting quirky characters along the way.

But each time he returns to the kitchen with an ingredient, he finds things have changed in unexpected ways…

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A cosy-punk slice-of-life narrative sim about managing a struggling record store. Chat to quirky customers with unique tastes, explore a handcrafted record collection, fall in love with bands (and their drama!), or just slack off with your colleagues - all to restore the groove!

Wax Heads is a game with:  

- Gorgeous comic book art style including 50+ hand drawn records and customers
- Punchy, humorous and affectionate dialogue
- An emotional, uplifting narrative about community, mystery and underdog spirit!
- A lovingly handcrafted, immersive musical world with cozy-punk vibes
- Charming puzzle design
- Mini games... and Tamagotchis! 🥚
- Killer original soundtrack

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A heartfelt story of ambition, struggle, and friendship told from the perspective of a young boy in fictional 90s rural India. Explore ancient palace ruins, set up your garden, cook Indian food, run errands for quirky characters, and learn about your history by making art.

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Let your empathy guide you as you play an exciting action-adventure, creature-saver game. Understand and tame the creatures of Ava and let them lead you through a variety of ecosystems – all in the hopes of saving the planet from a life-consuming infection.

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Fishbowl is a heartfelt coming of age story told over a month where you unpack puzzles to rediscover childhood memories, video call loved ones, work from home while taking care of yourself and chores, to figure out life one day at a time.

Twenty-one year old Alo gets her first job in a new city and is living by herself while grieving her grandma’s death, the choices she makes each day will lead to a unique journey of self discovery.

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A paint-tastic roguelite shooter where you embark on a quest to become the greatest artist in the world and battle famous works of art. The battlefield is your canvas, the enemies are your paint. Literally. Each level you beat becomes a unique work of art that you get to keep.

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The Diner at the End of the Galaxy is a resource management game that tasks players with managing a diner in space and navigating the politics of the interstellar factions that frequent the diner. Players must source and grow exotic ingredients, craft dishes, craft diner components from resources, and manage relationships with their clientele. This game combines strategic resource management with diplomacy elements to deliver something mechanically complex and challenging for players, while presenting a unique setting and characters.

Saddle up for Ricochet Rodeo, a 2D-platform, pvp brawl to see who's the fastest shooter in the pixel-rendered west. Assemble a posse of up to 8 cowboys to dance in chaotic deathmatches where bullets bounce and 1 hit kills.

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Dungeon Inn is a turn-based strategy game in which you run an inn called 'Dungeon Inn' between two guilds that hate each other.

The player takes on the role of 'Sara', the owner of the inn, and has to grow the inn by welcoming adventures from both guilds as guests, while being careful not to reveal the inn's dual business.

Let's try out different gimmicks to attract dungeon-bound adventurers to your inn, solve various problems in and around the inn, and make a fortune without getting caught.

“Who cares if they’re rivals? As long as we don’t get caught!”

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Raw Metal is an upcoming action stealth game which combines a top-down infiltration perspective with third-person beat-em-up combat.  You play as a lone scavenger infiltrating an Orpheus mining facility on the exoplanet Charybdis, stealing whatever you can find. The deeper you dig, however, the darker the corporation’s secrets are revealed to be.  With cues from extraction type games, players risk their gear the deeper they get, however rewards get evermore profitable.

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Botany Manor is a first-person puzzle game set in a Victorian English manor. You play as its inhabitant Arabella Greene, a retired botanist. Explore your house and gardens, filled with botanical research, to figure out the ideal habitat for a collection of forgotten flora. Grow each plant to discover the mysterious qualities they hold…

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‘Kusan : City of Wolves’ is a hardcore top-down shooter set in the bloody port city of Asia in the near future.

In Kusan, a light shining in darkness may be the gunfire of your enemies.
In this city, you can become an expert in unarmed combat, daggers, and various weaponry through countless fights and deaths.
Sharpen your skills, invest in them, and let the bodies hit the floor before yours hits first.

Protect the girl. Confront the will of your fallen comrades. You are faster and stronger than any beast in 'Kusan.'

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Amidst the ruins of a post-apocalyptic Japan, genetically re-engineered dinosaurs have survived humans and become the dominant species. Ancient primal instincts ignite modern tribal wars, and the ultimate survivors must navigate a world where the balance of power has shifted in ways no one could have foreseen.

Currently, we're starting development on a protype to be a strong narrative driven game. Cineplay is a concept within Floating Rock's vision- where 2 different mediums have strong narratives to stand independently, meanwhile having plot points that overlap, offering different perspectives within the world.

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Pie in the Sky is an old-school arcade, action game/simulation where you play as an Australian magpie, stealing food, swooping people and completing objectives to cause as much chaos as possible. Dripping with early 2000's aesthetics and charm coupled with more Australian content than you can shake a sauce bottle at, Pie in the Sky is a pick up and play, mischievous and chaotic, avian adventure!

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"Voice of Baceprot (VoB) consisting of Widi (bass), Siti (drums) and Marsya (guitar & vocals). The trio first met in 2014 when they were still junior high school students in their hometown in Singajaya, a small village in Garut (West Java) eight-hour land trip from Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. Their teacher (Abah Erza) who introduced & taught them the instruments was also the one behind the name Voice of Baceprot. "Baceprot" means noisy in their native Sundanese language and it represents the type of music that they play.
VoB firstly garnered prestigious global media attention when the video of them performing their own song "The Enemy of Earth Is You" both in local stage and studio stormed the internet in 2017. Since then they have performed in various stages around the globe including Wacken Open Air (2022) and recently at Glastonbury Festival 2024, headlining shows in Bangkok & KL and conducting 2 European Tour (2021 & 2022) and US Tour (2023). Their debut album "Retas" has been selected by Kerrang as one of 50 best metal albums of 2023. Metal Hammer has also selected VoB as the 10 greatest heavy metal power trios and named them as "the metal band the world needs right now"."

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RINSE, the solo project of Melbourne-based artist Joe Agius, is best known as a member, producer, and co-writer of Hatchie. In RINSE, Agius takes center stage, presenting meticulously written pop songs dressed with dream-pop instrumentation and 80s post-punk drums, likening them to the golden era of The Cure, My Bloody Valentine, and Echo and the Bunnymen.

Following up on previous EPs ‘Sinkerº’ and ‘Wherever I Am’, which included ‘Back Into Your Arms’, a single featuring Hatchie, RINSE saw widespread recognition across college radio in the US, as well as on KEXP, and received high praise from Stereogum, NPR, and The Fader, following previous collaborations with Jorge Elbrecht (Japanese Breakfast, Wild Nothing, Sky Ferreira).

In 2024, RINSE announces its signing to Melbourne-based label Cohort (Juice Webster, Mimi Gilbert, Geography) and has released two new songs 'Kiss Me (Kill), featuring Hatchie and 'Stranger' songs packed with nostalgia and lush shoegaze guitars.

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Phoebe Rings is a 4-piece dream-pop band from Auckland, New Zealand led by songwriter Crystal Choi.

In 2020, their first dreamy single "Cheshire" became one of BFM's most played tracks of the year and made number 1 on various student radio stations and alternative charts. This was soon followed up by the self-titled EP, 5 tracks showcasing a broad sonic palate, combing brush strokes of avant-pop, shoegaze, city pop and jazz.

Amidst tours, festivals and notable support slots, the band has kept busy, self recording their next instalment of luscious tunes co-written by all members of the band - Alex Freer (A.C Freezy), Simon Kavanagh-Vincent (Lucky Boy) and Ben Locke (Sea Views).

The first of these, 아스라이 (Aseurai) was released in November 2023 and quickly picked up by Rolling Stones - Songs You Need To Know. Their latest single Mandarin Tree, recently charted on Hot 20 NZ Singles and has become a beloved hit across the student radio stations of Aotearoa.

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I'mdifficult is an experimental pop band formed in late 2018, consisting of Ernest (Vocals, Keyboards), Dotzio (Vocals, Synths), Eason (Vocals, Guitars), and Jason (Drums). Their music blends various styles and languages, reflecting the members' diverse backgrounds growing up between Taiwan and the USA.

Their 2021 EP '25' achieved significant success, with over 2 million Spotify plays and reaching 23rd on the Spotify Taiwanese charts. Their latest debut self-titled album, "I'mdifficult", released in the fall of 2023, delivered a mature and cinematic soundscape, which some critics described as “sophisticated pop”. Their innovative approach to pop had also inspired their one-of-a-kind live performances."

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Ixaras is a queer Indie Pop Rock artist & songwriter raised in Meanjin Brisbane who champions her self expression through the art of music and self-run, DIY live gigs. 2023 was a huge break onto the scene for ixaras with a slot as triple j unearthed high finalist, BIGSOUND, debut festival at Valley Fiesta (alongside Mallrat, Midlife, Miss Kannina) and release of her track 'sprouts', which now has 250K purely organic streams.

Alongside her melodic ear worms and incredibly thought provoking lyrics about the complexities of growing up and young love, Ixara emulates youth, inclusivity and accessibility with her all-ages, DIY gig company ‘Anti-Dismal’. In 2023, Ixara’s live show and Anti-Dismal were taken to new heights where she put on multiple sold-out shows across Brisbane where not a phone was in sight.

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Singer-Songwriter ena mori is a walking musical paradox.  Starting her musical journey at a young age as a classical pianist, ena mori uses her dynamic range of different musical influences and creates her own sophisticated pop sound. Her tunes hop with neon-light vibrance, but also bop with lovelorn soul, owing to her Japanese-Filipino pedigree. But whatever hyphenated tag critics and admirers alike choose to append to her material—art-pop, synth-pop, dream-pop—the ena mori crusade is, essentially, one in vigorous defense of pop music making (full stop): a criminally undermined enterprise she’s working not so much to salvage but ravage (full stop), which is to say, in her own words, “I’ve always wanted to write pop that pushes boundaries.

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87dance are an indie band from Seoul Korea. Having burst onto the K-Indie sphere with their 2019 EP Palchilldance, the outfit have become synonymous with a loft/funk/chill sound unique to themselves. Since their 2022 EP album (Soldout Smile), they’ve reshaped and refined their signature styles, quickly catching attention for singles ‘How can i forget you girl’, ‘Saffron’, ‘Ghosts are bored’, as a result being hand picked by Apple Music as an ‘UP NEXT’ artist alongside strong cosigns from Spotify’s Fresh Finds curators. 87dance have even caught the ear of Min Hee Jin, CEO of New Jeans’ label ADOR.  Visually striking, the band are a mash of eclectic styles ranging from football streetwear all the way to vintage fittings and has previously collaborated with Fred Perry amongst a range of other brands. Fresh off of touring their 2023 debut full length across Asia, 87dance looks to expand their horizons with a slew of new music slated for 2024.

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A seductive melancholy defines ODIWAMS (onedayitwillallmakesense), the extraordinary debut EP of Sydney artist Maina Doe. The musician reconfigures the experimental and elegaic sounds of R&Band soul, transforming them into something entirely her own. ODIWAMS is characterised by its duality of lightness and darkness, its evocations of dueling feelings such as hedonism, solitude, and serenity. “It’s my music buffet, take what you can from it,” says Maina Doe.

So many styles and stories stretch across the six tracks that make up ODIWAMS. “I have always wanted to make music that comes from many angles and perspectives. This EP realised itself very organically when I was writing it,”Maina Doe says. In moments, Maina Doe chronicles the pleasures and pains of urban life - its euphoria, its connections, its disappointments, its alienations.In other instances, she longs for a simpler existence, solace sketched in beautiful shades of brooding electronica. For instance, on EP opener “Hello”she meshes her transcendent vocals with a bunch of diverse field recordings -taken from travels, shows, and intimate conversations.

“It’s not always easy for me to be vulnerable. So some of the more vulnerable moments are a little hard for me to grip with, knowing that a bunch of strangers are going to know me like that. The most challenging and rewarding part of this is accepting that I don’t have a choice – the music will push and continue to be made and I have to allow myself to be heard and seen and felt” says Maina Doe. Produced with Finbar Stuart, 18YOMAN, LEN20 and UNOStereo, the EP balances ambient tones with electronic futurism, crafting a singular sound of sprawling R&’B that contains dreamy, eerie undercurrents. The EP’s lead single “Maybe” embodies this, a buoyant but unvarnished look at how we can be drawn to facades and mislead one another. “Maybe we blinded or short on some guidance/I don’t know what it is I stay in my business, we all got our reasons” Maina Doe sings.

Instead of confining oneself to these restrictive characters, she advocates for authenticity, while also admitting that fallinginto the traps of status and appearances is a part of

everyday life. “Don’t Worry Bout Me” expands Maina Doe’s explorations of independence and individuality. On the second half of the EP, Maina Doe narrates the tough but ultimately cathartic experience of moving through troubling emotions. The spellbinding “Witness” sees Maina Doe travel through humility, anger, and beauty, emerging with a new sense of self-possession (“You gotta listen, they’ll never get it”). This floats onto “Damnnnn” an intricate and beautiful rumination on overcoming heartbreak. She finishes with album closer “Lucid Dreams” a dreamy, infectious song about shaking off of vanity and embracing forgiveness. “I hope this record makes people feel closer to themselves, their convictions, and me,” says Maina Doe.

Since 2019, Maina Doe has been lauded for her singles, receiving support from BBC Radio,

Vice, Notion, Soulection, Rinse FM and Vogue, among others.She has performed support slots for the likes of Masego, Winston Surfshirt, and Tkay Maidza. Last year, she made her headline debut at a sold-out show at the Sydney Opera House for festival VIVID LIVE."

Indie rock four-piece smol fish are a band of best friends from Boorloo (Perth), Australia. With earnest lyricism and playful instrumentation, the band explores the lovely and lonesome aspects of being a 20-something navigating the world today. 2024 is looking bright, with an EU/UK tour in April/May, and  a new single ‘If Only’ hitting playlists and garnering triple j rotation. Be sure to superglue your socks to your feet, because smol fish are ready to blow them off!

BALTHVS, the Bogota, Colombia based psychedelic funk trio was formed in the countryside while the group waited out the 2020 pandemic. The band was  escaping the city during uncertain times and according to Balthazar Aguirre,  “we wanted the music to meld with the peaceful environment surrounding us at that moment.” Alongside Aguirre (guitar, vocals), the band consists of Johanna Mercuriana (bass, vocals) and Santiago Lizcano (drums, vocals). Their genre-defying sound blends cumbia, surf rock, funk, and Turkish  musical influences. The music is comprised of lyrics in English, Spanish and  plenty of instrumentals that meld mysticism and psychedelics. “Colombia is  very psychedelic, there’s plenty of availability and a lot of traditional  medicine involving entheogens and plant medicine around.” The result is a captivating sonic tapestry that transcends conventional boundaries, captivating listeners with its multifaceted influences. Known for their dynamic and electrifying live performances, BALTHVS has become synonymous with energetic shows and captivating improvisations. Since  their inception, the band has embarked on a prolific creative journey,  releasing an impressive catalog featuring over 34 singles and 3 full-length albums. Their music has resonated globally, amassing over 6.8 million streams worldwide, establishing BALTHVS as a formidable presence in the music  industry. While BALTHVS has conquered their home turf, gracing the stage at Colombia’s largest music festival, Rock al Parque, they have also taken their  infectious sound to international audiences. With three performances at SXSW  in Austin, TX, a successful U.S. tour, and a triumphant inaugural European  tour in 2024, the band is poised for even greater heights with a new  full-length LP set to release on Mixto Records in the fall. Eager to continue  their sonic exploration, BALTHVS is set to enchant audiences worldwide with  their innovative and boundary-pushing approach to music.

Performance in all its forms has always been intrinsic in Ayesha Madon’s life, from learning drums and piano in her early teens, through to her starring role in Netflix’s smash series Heartbreak High (currently #4 on Netflix globally), to building a full recording studio in her Grandma’s garage in the suburbs of  Sydney the day she finished shooting Season 2. She can’t help herself.  For the rising creative, music and songwriting remain at the fore of her creative output as she strives for humility and grit in all aspects of her work. A deep consideration for authentic storytelling and humility and a natural ability to keep it real is how Madon continues to captivate in whatever medium she harnesses.

NT bruthas J-MILLA and Yung Milla forged their own paths to fame, from the lean streets of Darwin’s southern suburbs to the heights of Milla-mania on remote communities across the country. Now, for the first time, the two Marranunggu rap kings meet at the crossroads for an explosive alliance of rhyme, dance and style. Happy Mag calls J-MILLA “a dominant force in hip hop”. triple j calls Yung Milla “hot shit”. We’re calling SAME BLOOD the hip hop party of the year.

Australian singer-songwriter SAHXL released his debut EP, COME THRU, in late 2023 and is gearing up to release his follow up in May off the back of his latest single documenting a tale of heartbreak, “Negligent”.

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SAHXL has big intentions: “I have one goal— to introduce the world to the new sounds of R&B coming out of Australia,” he says. “I’m not just doing this for myself; I’m doing this for the people around me too.” It’s safe to say he’s well on his way. The Sydney-based artist started making music as a 14-year-old as a form of emotional release, and eventually put his music on SoundCloud, catching the attention of local producers. He has released a number of singles, has been included in Apple Music’s Up Next Local series, and has been shouted out by radio personality Ebro Darden and fellow Australian musician The Kid LAROI.

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Last year, he became the first Australian artist to sign with Def Jam. COME THRU offers a captivating introduction to SAHXL’s sound, storytelling ability, and impressive emotional range. The project is a vivid, vulnerable collection of songs following the arc of a romantic relationship from start to finish. The project positions SAHXL as a wise storyteller in touch with his trickiest and most unpleasant emotions, as well as an adept producer and composer capable of wordlessly conveying yearning, remorse, and anger through his instrumental arrangements.

total tommy arrives armed with a boldness that is instantaneous and infectious, both on record and in person. With great depth in her creative range and sonic versatility, comes a quiet confidence of an artist in control. total tommy sounds like the first time you got high, because she broke your heart, and makes you wanna do it all over again. “total tommy started when I moved cities, came out, and spent time properly getting to know myself. Parts of my brain got unlocked that I’d never been able to tap into before, and with that I quickly got to learn a lot about who I was. I partied so much with new queer friends, fell in love, made mistakes, and wrote music to make sense of it all”. total tommy is an artist to experience from the front row with your friends, where she’ll leave nothing on the sidelines with a willingness to share herself and her experiences. For fans of Wet Leg, Ekkstacy, Royel Otis, Alex G

A multi-talented artist, Nick Ward emerged with his brand of bedroom pop on triple Unearthed, releasing multiple tracks and refining his sound across debut EP ‘Everything I Wish I Told You’. Then came 2022’s ‘Brand New You’ about which NME raved: “…a tightrope balance of bravado and self-doubt… few can make it as relatable, redemptive and hopeful”. After a successful headline tour in 2022, Nick was recently named the Ticketmaster 2023 Breakthrough Artist, a well-deserved recognition that showcases his exceptional talent and potential in the industry. Ward is also a part of the Sydney musical collective Full Circle, which brings together young creatives, including fellow artists FRIDAY*, SOLLYY, Dylan Atlantis, Breakfast Road, and Zion Garcia, who collaborate to push the boundaries of the pop music experience. From starting as a triple j Unearthed high finalist in 2019, Nick has attracted the attention of local and international tastemakers, press alike, including V Man, SideNote, PAPER, GQ, Wonderland, Notion, 10 Magazine, NME, Junkee, and more.