Productions

Aunty Kea; a brash, no-nonsense, Chinese-Malaysian woman navigates an impending financial demise which pushes her into the dating game for all the wrong reasons. Amidst this, Kea and her daughter struggle to mend their frayed relationship upon discovering a suitor that Kea does not approve of.

Supported by Screen Australia and YouTube through the Skip Ahead initiative.

Written, Directed and Starring Lyanna Kea

Also stars Sasha Leong, Douglas Rintoul, Ella Watkins and Darren Levy

Story Created and Produced by Lyanna Kea, Taysha McFarland and Tristan Braines

Co-Directed by Taysha McFarland and Tristan Braines

Associate Producer: Sasha Leong

Cinematography by Samuel Vella

Edited by Jim Cruse

(Comedy) 5 x 6min

At the gates of purgatory, the latest group of unfortunate souls must pass a simple test as they try to enter the gates of heaven and avoid the pits of hell. All you have to do is call someone who has the answer to your unique question, which will determine your fate.

Screening Selection at the Short Film Corner - Cannes Film Festival 2025 

Starring Lyanna Kea, Taysha McFarland, Douglas Rintoul, Cindy Pritchard and Imogen Linton

Directed by Tristan Braines

Story by Taysha McFarland, Lyanna Kea, Tristan Braines and Nicholson Ren

Written by Taysha McFarland and Lyanna Kea

Director of Photography: Nicholson Ren

Edited by Jim Cruse

This film was made for the 48 Hour Film Project 2024. www.48hourfilm.com/48hfp

Dark Comedy (7mins)

Ming, a grieving Chinese mother, arrives in Australia to embark on a road trip with a young Caucasian man, Eric to remember her late son. But she soon discovers that Eric was in a romantic relationship with her son, which clashes with her conservative values.

Supported by AACTA: Pitch Focus 2021 and Sony

Written, Directed and Produced by Vee Shi

Produced by: Nicholson Ren, Taysha McFarland

Production Company: Niu Studios

2024 AACTA Awards (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts) | Best Short Film Nomination 

Screen Producers Australia | Short Film Production of the Year nomination

Melbourne International Film Festival 2023 

Flickerfest 2023, Australia | Winner of Best Direction in an Australian Short Film | Special Mention for Best Actor in an Australian Short Film - Sel Hiew

(Drama) 15mins

With only a handful of flour left, a widow has come to terms that there is only enough for one last meal for herself and her son when an unexpected stranger comes along and challenges her faith.

Zarephath is a multi-award winning film,  with awards for Best Inspirational Film, Best Feature Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Child Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Props and Costume, Best Producer. 

Starring: Michaela Pascoe, Jesse Butler, Isaac Grounds and Anthony Duckworth

Written and Directed by Taysha McFarland

Cinematography by Nicholson Ren

Original Score by Chris Tuazon

Executive Producers: Cindy Pritchard, Antonella Celi

Produced by: Toprock Productions in association with VDM Productions

(Drama) 54mins

An enigmatic Brown woman carefully navigates her love life, professional life and family life as racial tensions simmer. But when matters reach a boiling point, she can no longer suppress her appetite for a reckoning.

Supported by Multicultural Arts Victoria

Written, Directed, Produced and Starring  Jazba Singh

Producers: Sasha Leong, Pauline Pham, Taysha McFarland

Executive Producer: Ren Ruidi

Director of Photography: Nicholson Ren

Premiered at Flickerfest 2023

(Psychological Thriller) 10mins

Following a fatal car crash in rural Australia, two survivors; Moana, an aspiring singer and Kenny, a short-tempered thief, stumble through the woods onto a lonely, widow's farmhouse, where they spend the night.

Starring: Sharrayah Temita, Mark Adams, Leanne Hogan and Peter Roordink

Written and Produced by: Peter Roordink

Directed by Taysha McFarland

Cinematography by Nicholson Ren

Original Score by Chris Tuazon

Produced by: Tristan Braines, Peter Roordink, Taysha McFarland, Katrena Roordink and Cindy Pritchard

Production Company: Tapu Dutch Productions and Toprock Productions

(Thriller Drama) 35mins

As seen on Channel 44, Adelaide.

Awarded Best Mental Health Film in Screen It! Film Festival 2018

If Only follows four people as they make life-changing decisions.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call Lifeline right away on 13 11 14.  (If in Australia).

Directors:  Taysha McFarland & Tristan Braines 

Written by: Taysha McFarland

Director of Photography:  Nicholson Ren 

Starring:  Carey Carter, Nigel Huckle, Laura McMahon and Peter Spowart

(Drama) 8mins

An aspiring investigative journalist, Madyson, starts an undercover job at Galactic Circus, a rundown arcade, to unveil the mystery of a gamer’s sudden disappearance. But when clues run dry and the arcade upheaves other secrets, Madyson must enlist the help of her quirky colleagues and her talent for trouble to find out the truth of Jimmy Chin’s whereabouts. With Galactic Circus falling apart, will Madyson stick it out and find Jimmy or will she find love along the way?

This 6-part web series is currently in pre-production.

Starring: Lyanna Kea, Dean Gunera and Kim Ko

(Comedy Web Series)

A group of sexy singles get another chance of finding their perfect pair on a romantic, tropical island.

Starring Lyanna Kea, Tyler Jenkins, Chris Tuazon, Cindy Pritchard, Heine McFarland, Tristan Braines and Taysha McFarland

Audience Choice Award Winner - Sunshine Short Film Festival 2021

Quarter-Finalist - AniMate Australia 2022

(Stop-Motion Animated Comedy) 13mins

As seen on Channel 44, Adelaide.

Audience Choice Award Winner and Best Film Nominee at the 48 Hour Film Project 2019.

A justice seeking vigilante goes to extreme lengths to educate a family on the importance of honesty.

Starring Sarah Baker, Wahyu Kapa, Felise Morales, Isaac Grounds, Rachel Soding and Peter Roordink

(Dark Comedy) 7mins

Audience Choice Award Winner and Nominated for Best Original Score in the 48 Hour Film Project 2018

An aspiring musician works on his musical composition, as his partner prepares to sell their family home.

Starring Annie Thorold and Joshua Peter White.

Premiere screening at Village Cinemas, Jam Factory, 12th November

(Drama) 7mins

Five women manage to escape the horrors of the rapture by hiding in a friend's underground bunker.  In the sanctity of the bunker, they must plan for their future, even if the world is indeed coming to an end.

Directed:  Taysha McFarland

Cinematography:  Nicholson Ren

Starring:  Kate Ball, Tristan Braines, Siobhan Connors, Fae O'Toole and Rachel Soding

(Dark Comedy) 12mins

Two spirited Mormons aim to convert a lonely old lady, who has other plans in mind. 

2021 Peninsula Film Festival Finalist

Starring Lachlan Cassidy, Jayden Denke and Cindy Pritchard

(Dark Comedy) 5mins

It's 2028 and the over sensitivity of the population has caused comedy to become illegal.  An 8-year old boy rediscovers jokes and tries to find a place to belong.

(Dark Comedy) 7mins

Winner of the 2017 Whitehorse City Fair Trade Fashion Short Film Competition.

Do you make purchases based on cost and convenience, or do you shop your values?  If you're against child labour, sweatshops and slave labour, then it's time to stop putting your money in places that support these things.  It's time to shop your values.  

(Documentary) 4mins