Discussing the screening of the short film Frances at the upcoming IWD event are (from left) Michelle Glasgow, Rev Neng Zang and Sharon Lewis. Photo: Supplied.
Wollongong’s internationally acclaimed short film Frances will be screened publicly for the first time on 8 March as part of Nan Tien Temple’s International Women’s Day Charity Meditation Fundraiser.
Created by Illawarra filmmakers Sharon Lewis and Richard Jones, the 40-minute, award-winning film explores the harsh realities of homelessness through the eyes of a university lecturer facing life after divorce, highlighting the growing housing crisis that can affect anyone.
Sharon said she was drawn to tell the story, which will be part of the special half-day event in support of Women Illawarra, after speaking to a woman who had become homeless.
“It’s a story we wanted to tell because we wanted people to be able to identify with the character as being someone they may know, like a sister, a mother, an aunt,” she said.
“It’s to bring light to the housing affordability crisis that’s happening at the moment and show that it could happen to anybody.”
Sharon, who was the producer and director, said she felt blessed that the film had continued to win a stream of awards in Australia and internationally.
She said the most recent came at the Titan International Film Festival 2025 – Best Australian Film; and the New York Film and Female Actress Awards 2024 – Best Female Actor (Juliet Scrine) and Best Short Indie Film 2024.
“Honestly, I was genuinely surprised,” she said.
“I knew the story would resonate with people close to me, but I didn’t expect it to gain so much recognition on a larger scale.
“It has been amazing to see how deeply people have connected with Frances’ journey.”
Sharon said many of the Australian festivals had premiere status, which meant the film had needed to complete the festival circuit before having this first public screening.
Sharon and Women Illawarra general manager Michelle Glasgow met with Rev Neng Zang last week to finalise the day’s program.
“The funds raised will go a long way in showing the women we support just how much care and compassion there is within the community,” Michelle said.
Nan Tien Temple’s event also includes the largest regional tai chi and meditation, followed by a Buddhist blessing ceremony in the main shrine and then the screening of Frances in the auditorium.
It is supported by Screen Illawarra, with other community groups like iBUG and Wild Women of Wollongong also forming social groups to join the efforts to support the event.
All proceeds will go directly to Women Illawarra, an organisation dedicated to empowering and supporting women in the region.
This is the third year Nan Tien Temple has hosted its IWD charity fundraiser for an Illawarra women’s organisation.
Frances was created by cast and crew donating their time, and the locations being made available free of charge. Locations included the Illawarra Escarpment, the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus and Wollongong businesses.
Tickets for Nan Tien Temple’s International Women’s Day (IWD) Charity Meditation Fundraiser, on 8 March at Nan Tien Temple in Unanderra, can be bought here.
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