FRI 25 APRIL

AUSTRALIANA

Smoke ‘N Mirrors
Byron Bay, NSW

DOORS: 6:30PM
SHOW: 7PM

The Versace Boys hit the stage like a wrecking ball with sequins, tearing into a live set that’s all grit, sweat, and swagger. This isn’t a concert; it’s a sonic onslaught that leaves the walls shaking.

When the amps finally go silent, the screen takes over. A showcase of fiercely original Australian cinema lights up the warehouse—raw, unapologetic, and untamed. These films don’t just tell stories; they grab you by the collar, pull you into the grit, and refuse to let go.

What’s on tap for $25?

  • Versace Boys unleashing a live set for the ages

  • A razor-sharp reel of Aussie films that hit hard (check them out below)

Two people posing in stylish outfits, one in a light blue pinstripe suit with a floral shirt and sunglasses, the other in a colorful sequined jacket and a white cap, against a vibrant blue and red background.
Woman sitting on a bed with a tissue in her mouth, another person sleeping behind her.

FILM PROGRAM

DON’T COME IN YET • 10 mins • (Aus)
Dir: Isaac Dean Elliott

As a wheelchair user, Jake is constantly watched over by his dad and lauded for his bravery by everyone.

Now 18, he's finally been left at home, without supervision, with his best friend June. Together, they plan to use the opportunity to have sex. But his overbearing dad, a spider and an aging football superstar present some complications.

byron underground film festival THE NOISE

THE NOISE • 10 mins • (Aus)
Dir: Jillian Shea Spaeder, Bryce Gheisar

Ella secretly struggles with an eating disorder. On her birthday, her family makes her a rich, mouth-watering meal that causes the negative thoughts in her head to become incessant. The personified version of these thoughts takes an intimidating physical form—The Noise—who continuously pulls Ella into a liminal space to discipline her for her actions. Ella does her best to engage in everyday life, but the harder she fights against The Noise, the more monstrous it becomes.

Black and white photo of a cafe or small restaurant interior. A person is sweeping the floor, and another person is in the kitchen area. The counter has a display case, and there are framed certificates on the walls. Refrigerated beverage cases are visible. Newspapers are on a table.

SAM & SOPHIE • 15 mins • (Aus)
Dir: Caitlin Bryan, Ben Bryan

Sam, a lonely young man working at a fish and chip shop by chance meets Sophie, a woman experiencing problems in her marriage. Whilst drinking beers in an inner-city park they fight their own sense of betrayal and loneliness by forming an unlikely friendship.

Person with wavy blond hair sitting in a music studio with a keyboard and computer monitors in the background.

PROMOTER • 11 mins • (Aus)
Dir: Mitch Bain

Freddy, a young aspiring music producer and DJ gets called into a meeting with an infamous local promoter, “Old Mate”. A brash, loud and yet strangely charismatic human. He gives Freddy the biggest gig of his life with one enormous caveat: he must smuggle drug stash into the festival.

Group of people at a skatepark, two with skateboards, in casual clothing, having a conversation. Background shows trees and skateboarding children.

CONCRETE DENIZENS • 11 mins • (Aus)
Dir: Jessica Sherlock

Concrete Denizens is a short documentary that explores the inclusive skateboard scene developing in Brisbane. It's a discussion of what skateboarding brings to individuals and their community. The documentary features interviews with female skateboarders from the We Skate QLD community group, a crew dedicated to diversifying South East Queensland’s skateboarding community. Featuring music from local Brisbane bands, this documentary is a celebration of art, sport and a community built on concrete. 

Person wearing a flamingo shirt with face paint, outdoors, facing another person with pink glasses.

GLASSES • 6 mins • (Aus)
Dir: Yashvanth Kanesan

Sky finds a pair of glasses on his front lawn. When he dons them, the world explodes into a mesmerising array of colours, transforming his mundane surroundings into a kaleidoscope of beauty. Or does it?

Two elderly men sitting indoors, smiling and conversing, with one wearing glasses and a plaid shirt, and the other with a white beard and plaid shirt.

JACK • 4 mins • (Aus)
Dir: Timothy Wilde

Two old men in a nursing home discover a silver lining to their incontinence.

Person inside a metallic-looking, reflective space, wearing a colorful hoodie, looking up at the camera.

CHIP PACKET DAY • 3 mins • (Aus)
Dir: Oscar Axel Thorborg

A young woman seeks refuge in the comfort of a chip packet when her partner arrives home with a barrage of social obligations. Chip Packet Day is about the day we sorely need but rarely allow ourselves.

Man with a long gray beard and plaid shirt against a cloudy sky backdrop.

BIG RIG • 3 mins • (Aus)
Dir: Thomas Elliott

A lonely truck driver embarks on a spiritual pilgrimage around Australia in the hope of contacting the ghost of his best friend, Rodger. A story of self-acceptance, gathering the last traces of a loved one, and how we heal.

Cartoon train with caricature passengers standing at an open door on a subway platform.

AUSTRALIAN MUNGREL • 2 min • (Aus)
Dir: Rocco Fazzari, Belinda Lopez

Passengers on the Sydney Rail Network are asked "How did you get here?"