by FilmInk Staff
Four Australian feature documentaries have been selected to take part in Antenna Documentary Film Festival’s 7th Rough Cut Lab. Supported by Screen NSW and Screen Australia, the two-day workshop is designed to support filmmakers at the final stage of editing, providing creative, editorial and storytelling guidance, while helping identify new pathways to reach international audiences.
The selected projects are:
● Eyes That Listen, Ears That See by Joshua Belinfante – A contemplative documentary following Wiradjuri Elder Uncle Robert Clegg as he shares his interpretation of the Wiradjuri philosophies of Yindyamarra (respect) and Winhanganha (knowledge), inviting audiences to slow down, listen deeply and experience Country as a teacher.
● Half Light by Ella Rubeli – Filmed over six years, Half Light follows Freya from age 13 to 18 as she spends weekends with her ageing father, Ken, on his remote off-grid property in regional NSW. As Ken quietly prepares for the end of his life, Freya begins to imagine a future beyond the valley, creating a deeply moving portrait of love, change and the passing of time.
● Mosquitoes by Jen Atherton – Set behind Australia’s first nude beach, Mosquitoes follows waitress Ali and her neighbour Evelyn, a Canadian artist nearing 90, on a road trip to stage a retrospective at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Filmed by Ali’s filmmaker child, the journey becomes a funny, tender and unpredictable portrait of friendship, family and care.
● Oksana and Bob by Ashlee Jensen – Follows 75-year-old psychologist Bob Jacobs as he retraces the life of Ukrainian artist and FEMEN co-founder Oksana Shachko, exploring courage, activism and the power of one life to transform another.
“We have selected four distinctive projects with compelling stories and strong artistic voices. Each is at a stage where thoughtful international feedback can make a meaningful creative contribution, and we’re delighted to bring together such an exceptional group of mentors to support the filmmakers,” said Festival & Artistic Director David Rokach. The creative teams behind each of the selected films will be mentored by leading international industry figures including the Executive Director of Impact Partners Jenny Raskin (USA); Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and cinematographer Kirsten Johnson (USA); and award-winning documentary and fiction film editor Simon Price (New Zealand).
Antenna Rough Cut Lab will be held on 29–30 July 2026, taking place online.
