Our annual celebration of homegrown storytelling returns!  LOCALS brings together a vibrant collection of short-form works by central Victorian filmmakers. From heartfelt to hilarious, these films offer a window into the people, places, and stories that make our community unlike any other. Come see what’s brewing in Castlemaine’s creative backyard.

Every year, the LOCALS session packs out with applause, laughter, awe, and the occasional “Wait, isn’t that my neighbour?” This year promises no less. Bursting with creativity and heart, the judges’ selection celebrates the eccentricities, questions, memories, and momentum of regional life. From hand-held reflections to high-vis heroes, this is the heartbeat of our community on screen. We’re thrilled to announce the lineup for LOCALS 2025:

The Elusive Heart Rock – Trace Balla
A poetic meditation on rocks, friendship, and Djaara Country.

Jolly Nice – Bergen O’Brian
An old woman with dementia and a house full of uni students. What could go wrong?

Sober – Ella Williams
A raw, personal journey through addiction, nightlife, and recovery.

Commuter – Elissa Sandgrove
A sensory loop between country and city, movement and meaning.

My Generation Rising From The Ashes – Ben Dubuc-Timson
A hopeful plea from one generation to protect the next.

Lollipops – Hannah Moon
Meet Jeremy: school crossing supervisor, local legend, and unlikely star.

For George – Martine Murray
A tribute to a humble grocer and the market that matters.

YIMBY: The Soil of Life – Cath South & Lucy Young
Compost, community, and connection — one bin at a time.

Dropping the Feed Dog – Sam Downing
Textiles, community, and radio waves — stitched together.

A Shared Coop – Sam Loy
Chickens. Disability support. Life lessons.

Constructing Change – Alex Riches
Meet the tradespeople breaking barriers and building futures.

Through Fading Light – Jim Elson
A son rediscovers the artist his mother once was, through her fading memories.

This session always fills fast, so grab your tickets, and come and cheer on our local legends! 

PRIZES