by FIlmInk Staff
War doesn’t always end when soldiers come home. The powerful new Australian documentary Invisible Injuries explores the unseen wounds carried long after service and will celebrate its World Premiere at CinefestOZ on Saturday 5 September, before a national and international cinema season.
Directed by Western Australian filmmaker Kelly Bergsma, Invisible Injuries follows Australian veteran Andy Fermo as he confronts the invisible wounds of military service. Far from the battlefield, Andy’s journey explores how Post Traumatic Stress Disorder reshapes every aspect of life – identity, relationships, parenting and the struggle to reconnect with family, community and self.
Rather than focusing on combat, the documentary shines a light on what comes after service. Through deeply personal storytelling, alongside insights from clinical experts, fellow veterans and international military leaders, Invisible Injuries examines trauma, recovery and the urgent need for greater understanding and support for veterans and their families.
Director Kelly Bergsma hopes the film will spark conversations that continue long after audiences leave the cinema. “This isn’t a film about war – it’s a film about people. It’s about what happens when the uniform comes off and someone is left trying to rebuild their life. If this documentary helps even one veteran or family feel seen, understood or less alone, then we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”
For Andy Fermo, sharing his story has always been about helping others.
“For a long time I thought I had to carry this on my own. I hope people watching Invisible Injuries realise they’re not alone, that asking for help isn’t weakness, and that recovery is possible. If this film starts conversations that save lives, then every difficult moment has been worth it.”
Produced by Double Shot Creative Studios and Adam Darnley-Stuart from Redwood Group with Executive Producer Ian Hale through Halo Films, Invisible Injuries was filmed across Australia and The Netherlands over almost two years. Ahead of its World Premiere, the documentary has already been recognised with a nomination for Innovation in Feature Documentary/Non-Fiction at the 2026 WA Screen Culture Awards.
The film presents an honest and compassionate portrait of the lasting impact of trauma while offering a message of hope through connection, understanding and recovery.
Following its World Premiere at CinefestOZ, Invisible Injuries will have an exclusive Perth season at Luna Leederville before a series of special national and international screenings. The film will make its International Premiere at the National Military Museum in the Netherlands, highlighting the documentary’s universal message about the human cost of conflict and recovery.
Australian audiences will also have the opportunity to attend have special screenings at Dendy Cinemas Canberra on 10 and 12 September, followed by Dendy Newtown, Sydney on 14 and 15 September, where further Q&A events are planned with members of the filmmaking team and special guests
Screening Schedule
• CinefestOZ – Saturday 5 September 2026 *World Premiere*
• Luna Leederville – Sunday 6 September 2026
• Dendy Cinemas Canberra – 10 September 2026
• Dendy Cinemas Canberra – 12 September 2026
• Dendy Newtown Sydney – 13 September 2026
• Dendy Newtown Sydney – 14 September 2026
