by FilmInk Staff
Sydney filmmaker and actor Damian Hempstead continues his evolution behind the camera with, Out of Step, an independent Australian short film exploring the delicate intersection of faith, love and personal conviction.
Written and directed by Hempstead, the film stars Rhett Wilks and Janitha Perera, and marks his third short film and second produced under Damo & Tim Productions.
Inspired by real events, Out of Step follows a man firmly rooted in his Christian faith who falls for a woman still searching for hers. When he invites her to his church, the couple are forced to confront the biblical principle of being equally yoked, discovering that while love is powerful, a relationship built on differing spiritual foundations can come at a profound cost.
The film achieved national recognition being shortlisted for Tropfest 2026, Australia’s most prestigious short film festival.
The film was shot by Josh Flavell, whose exceptional year at Tropfest 2026 saw him not only lens Out of Step, which was shortlisted, but also win the festival’s Best Cinematographer Award for a separate production.
“Having experienced this myself, it’s truly heartbreaking when someone is only in your life for a short season,” Hempstead said. “The central message of being equally yoked with your partner is something we all need to hear. But that truth shouldn’t stop us from allowing seeds to be sown in someone else’s life. Even if your paths never cross again, God may use that brief connection to stir something in them, something that ultimately leads to a relationship with their Saviour, Jesus Christ, and to the transcendent peace that’s already waiting at their door.”
Produced independently through Damo & Tim Productions, Out of Step continues the company’s commitment to creating emotionally driven Australian stories inspired by real-life experiences and grounded in authentic character journeys.
The project further establishes Hempstead’s growing voice as a writer-director, following more than 15 years working professionally as an actor. With Out of Step he continues to explore stories that invite audiences to wrestle with life’s deepest questions, bringing authenticity, vulnerability and faith to the forefront of Australian independent filmmaking.
Out of Step | Short Film | Damo & Tim Productions
Shortlisted – Tropfest 2026
Image by Lester Jones
