Long Shorts & Short Longs: Documentaries - General Screening

The WA Made Film Festival’s Long Shorts & Short Longs Documentary Showcase presents in-depth stories that take the time to unfold.

From cultural renewal and language revival on Country to healing after conflict, environmental advocacy and community pride, these documentaries explore connection, resilience and identity. Filmed with care and commitment, each work offers space for reflection, truth-telling and lived experience, highlighting the power of documentary storytelling to inform, challenge and connect audiences with stories from Western Australia and beyond.

• Boodjara

Boodjara (Country, belonging to) follows a group of Noongar people (Aboriginal people of South Western Australia) on a powerful journey to revive their endangered language, reclaim ancestral placenames, and reconnect with stories and lore embedded in the Boodja (Country). Filmed over 18 months by Noongar filmmaker Hugh Sando, this intimate documentary is a story of cultural revival, truth-telling, and reconciliation -
set against the backdrop of Australia’s failed 2023 Voice referendum.

• The Comfort Dogs of Uganda

The trauma of war never truly goes away. For the former child soldiers of rebel warlord Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army, the shock of abduction and unspeakable atrocities they witnessed left a lasting, scarring impact. But in the shadow of that brutal 20-year conflict in Northern Uganda, a remarkable story of resilience unfolds through the unexpected companionship of rescued dogs.

• Corals Last Stand

Corals’ Last Stand follows the voyage of a team of prominent Australians including author Tim Winton and musician John Butler as they travel to the reef to bring worldwide attention to the impact that drilling will have on this special place. This half hour documentary asks whether Australia can really afford to exploit this gas reserve in a time of growing community concern at rising global temperatures. And if it does will Scott Reef and the life it supports be the collateral damage of that decision.

• SMALL TOWN PRIDE

In the remote outback Australian town of Kununurra (pop. 4,515), a small but fearless queer community works to keep their annual pride celebration alive What began as a modest gathering has grown into the most anticipated party of the year—a vibrant, defiant expression of identity, joy and community. But behind the glitter and celebration lies a deeper story: one of resilience in the face of online trolls, religious protests, and the everyday challenges of being queer in a conservative rural town.

TICKET INCLUSIONS

• FREE Hunt & Brew iced coffee