The Illawarra film industry punches above its weight, and the proof is on the big screen this week

When Stanwell Tops youth Shayan Murray first conceived the concept of his short film Trip Down Memory Lake for the Creative Wollongong Short Film Competition, he couldn’t shake the feeling it was “a bit basic”.

“Something was missing. It was very ‘boy meets girl, then they meet again later on in life’ but it needed something to complete its chemistry and make it unique,” he says. “Then my dad had an idea.”

Without giving everything away, it was a transformative new layer to the female star.

“When we introduced that into the story, something beautiful happened. She was suddenly able to make this connection with the audience in a way that speaks to so many people on so many levels,” Shayan says.

“I really enjoyed writing her and developing that character from beginning to end.”

Trip Down Memory Lake follows protagonist Joey, who reflects on his memories of New Year’s Eve seven years ago as he prepares to return to Lake Illawarra to keep a promise to a special friend.

“I’m very grateful to Screen Illawarra and Creative Wollongong for putting the competition up, creating a chance for us to create and share our work,” Shayan says.

“I also have to acknowledge the incredible production team and the cast and crew who, from pre-production all the way to the end, have been amazing. And to the people at TEN ALPHAS who generously shared their time, expertise and knowledge to help us to bring this project to life.”

The film will show on Tuesday (26 November) as part of one of Screen Illawarra’s biggest events of the year – the Short Film Showcase.

Admission is by donation to this screening of an array of fantastic films from Screen Illawarra members, and the evening not only promises an awesome night out for film lovers, but doubles as a fundraiser for the organisation.

Screen Illawarra chair Nick Bolton says the organisation, which has grown to 400 members, has been instrumental to a shift in the perception of the local film industry.

“I remember the first meet-up, about 50 people showed up, which we thought was pretty good. But since then, filmmakers have been coming out of the woodwork – really experienced, highly professional people live here, they’re seeing the work we’re doing and getting involved,” he says.

“The perception of the Illawarra is changing. Where once they might’ve thought we’re all emerging and amateur film creatives down here, we now know there’s a high calibre of professionals here.

“That makes it easier, when big productions like the BBC’s Return to Paradise come down, to show them there’s no need to bring people down from Sydney – we have incredibly talented local crew members right here.”

Contributions to Screen Illawarra’s Short Film Showcase will go towards ensuring the continued success of the humble organisation in its impetus of supporting Illawarra film industry professionals.

“This showcase is a celebration of the amazing work our members have produced, a moment for them and the broader Illawarra community to take pride in it. We want to show as many people in our community as possible the good work going on right in their backyard,” Nick says.

“It’s going to be a really lovely night.”

Screen Illawarra’s Short Film Showcase takes place on Tuesday, 26 November from 6 pm to 9 pm at Gala Twin Cinema, 204 Cowper Street, Warrawong. Anyone and everyone is welcome to secure a ticket to attend, network with people, and consider joining Screen Illawarra. Entry is by donation – book your tickets via Humanitix, or to join or renew your Screen Illawarra membership, visit Screen Illawarra.

Please note: Some films are rated M or MA15+ and contain themes that are unsuitable for young audiences. There will be trigger warnings on the night.