Aspiring film makers and Kellyville High School students will see their hard work projected on the cinema screen as their latest project, Slip Stitch, premieres at the Regent Theatre Richmond on Friday, May 29.

Having spent the last few months working on every single frame of the film and meticulously perfecting its writing, directing, light, sound, cinematography and post-production, the student-led film is in contention for the Oscars and BAFTAs.

Former Kellyville student Kya says, at its heart, the film is about relationships.

“Not necessarily the huge defining ones, but the quieter relationships that subtly shape who we are,” Kya said. “The passing conversations, the moments of support, the people who teach us things without even realising it. It explores the idea that we are constantly learning from each other, often in ways we do not notice until much later.”

Kellyville High School Head Science teacher, Fabio Caprarelli, leads the twenty students who make up the school’s Media Unit and said he “fell into the role” of creating the rigorous film program.

“I didn’t have any formal training when I started the Media Unit 18 years ago.” Mr Caprarelli said. “It was just me, some courses, YouTube and it eventually blossomed into the award-winning work we produce today.”

“I had students who returned and told me that their university studies are so much easier than what they did at school.”

Now studying Film and TV production, Kya credits the Media Unit with igniting her passion for the industry.

“I still remember one of the first days I was on set for a previous short film we created,” she said. “My dad came to pick me up and watched for a little while before we left. He asked the usual question, ‘How was your day?’ and my response was simple: ‘That’s what I want to do for the rest of my life’.”

Former student Ruby extended her thanks to Mr Caprarelli and the cast of thousands who supported the production.

“We have collaborated with many people within the film industry and corporate sectors, which has led us to winning multiple awards in the past few years,” Ruby said.

“A gracious thank you goes towards our very hard-working and dedicated actors across the entire film. Thank you all for dealing with the early morning calls, long rehearsal days, sudden change of filming plans and your flexibility with our constant adjustments of the script.”

The Media Unit’s work is ‘inextricably linked’ to the school’s Inspire program which offers high potential and gifted education to support students to achieve their potential.

“At the end of the day, we make films because we want stories to exist outside of ourselves,” Kya said. “We want them out in the world. We want people to connect with them, reflect on them, and maybe even walk away seeing something a little differently. If this short film manages to do that for even one person, then every hour was worth it.”

The trailer for Slip Stitch can be viewed here.