Amie Batalibasi’s Docked.
Docked
Set in Footscray, Docked by Amie Batalibasi, tells of the random, spontaneous rapport between young aspiring actor Chubath (Nyawuda Chuol), and Dale, played by the late actor Damian Hill.
Dale is new to Melbourne and, not knowing what to do as his wallet has been stolen, and he doesn’t remember how to get back to his hotel, sits in the bar where Chubath is working. He’s both emotionally and literally directionless, a man in crisis. After the bar closes straight-talking Chubath, who has abandoned her medical degree to pursue acting, walks Dale towards the CBD through Melbourne’s docklands area. They share trust, basic human vulnerability and have an understated yet significant impact on each other. The story is told simply and filmed in black and white, adding to the drama of the environment.
Docked is a small film that glows quietly with poignancy and power, not least due to the performances of the two leads.
Rating: 3 ½ stars ★★★☆
Docked (2018 / 20 mins)
Victorian Premiere
Writer / Director – Amie Batalibasi
Storytime
Mangrove swamps in the Kimberley can be grim scary places and what dwells within them must be respected. Young Cecilia (Verna Lawson) knows this and her little brother is about to find out.
In the short film Storytime, by writer/director Jub Clerc, young fella Jhi (Jhi Clarke) boastfully recites to his family a story of the Gooynbooyn Woman who hides in the mangrove swamps. In the telling around the fireside Jhi insults the mythical old woman and when reprimanded by his Gran (Sylvia Clarke), insists it doesn’t matter as she’s not real.
The kids are sent off to play and Jhi taunts his sister, Cecilia about being afraid to go into the depths of the mangrove swamp. She takes him up on his dare with the result that they both lose their way. Gran senses what has happened.
Storytime is a dark and atmospheric short film, with vibrant performances and a suitably menacing use of terrain. She mourns her own but Gran’s lament at the end could also be for so many other lost children.
Rating: 3 ½ stars ★★★☆
Storytime (2006 / 9 mins)
Director – Jub Clerc
Writers – Sylvia Clarke, Jub Clerc
Producer – Belinda Kelsall
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