After recently appearing in award-winning comedy series, Colin From Accounts (Binge), beloved Australian actor, Hara, was excited to join the cast of Bernice.
Actor/Director Madeleine Wighton, met Gardiner while guest starring on ABC’s AACTA-nominated PM’s Daughter (ABC). As a Director & DOP, Gardiner’s professional credits Home and Away (Channel 7), Neighbours (Channel 9), and Heat (Channel 10), combined with his passion for supporting upcoming filmmakers proved to be a great asset during production of Wighton’s debut short film. Wighton said, “I am so thrilled to have worked with such high-tier filmmakers.” The film is created by a cast and crew from over seven different nationalities, the majority of whom identify as female, including rising talent, Ava Cannon, who stars in the latest seasons of Bump (Stan).
Bernice overflows with goofy chaotic charm telling the story of a tenacious vigilante in a pink balaclava who stops at nothing to un-burglarise homes and sprinkle love wherever she tiptoes. That is, until she’s beaten at her own game…
“Through a playful lens, the colourful world of Bernice explores mental health, hope, and the universal need for more love, courage, and silliness. Sometimes we just need to have a laugh and be a bit kinder,” says Wighton.
Bernice proves Madeleine Wighton is one to watch. Best known for playing Meadow in ABC’s AACTA-nominated PM’s Daughter S2, Vikki in Superwog’s most recent miniseries, and Elaine in The Detention Diaries web series. Most recently, Wighton starred in and produced Cadence, a film by award-winning filmmaker, Stephanie Troost (Birdeater).
“After attending too many funerals from a young age, I deeply feel the brevity of life and want to create life-affirming stories that inspire hope and celebrate the beauty and silliness within the brutality of the short and precious lives we are given. Laughter really is the best medicine,” says Wighton.
“Bernice is full of all the words I wished I could still say to my friend who suicided recently. I want to tell him how loved he was, how he made the world a much better place, and how everything will be okay. This film is dedicated to him.”
“Bernice is for anyone who longs for joy and colour within this broken world.”
Watch Bernice’s world premiere at Inner West Film Fest on April 14th. “Last year’s event started off as a one-dayer, which quickly expanded to four. This year, we have more than doubled that, which has required a lot more scouting around the world for great content,” said Festival co-directors Greg Dolgopolov and Dov Kornits. “With a particular focus on comedy, in all its wonderful flavours, there really is something for everyone in the diverse Inner West, and its many visitors, of course.” 2024’s Inner West Film Fest will roll out across Dendy Cinemas, Palace Cinemas, Actors Centre Australia, Marrickville Golf Club and many more locations throughout Sydney’s glorious Inner West from April 11 to 21, 2024. See the full program here.
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