Talented Coonamble film maker, Kaelyn Ward is one of twenty eight successful nominees selected in the Screen Wave International Film Festival's (SWIFF), Next Wave Film Festival.

The nationally recognised, Next Wave Film Festival celebrates the best in short films by the next wave of young filmmakers across Australia.

Kaelyn says her newest cinematic masterpiece 'HIREATH' encompasses post apocalyptic themes, including life in outer space.

"My five minute short film, 'HIREATH', is about a young girl Katie, who has been forced from her family to life in outer space.

“As a meteorite is about to collide with Earth, Katie is one of the chosen members from the younger generation to survive in outer space- there is nothing else Katie can do but watch everyone she loves die as the meteorite continues to travel towards Earth" she said.

"The film is a little bit heavier than what I usually go for, but I wanted to make sure I evoked that emotional response from the viewer.

Word association

"I was inspired to create this film simply through the word 'hiraeth', which is a Welsh word meaning 'a deep longing for something, especially one's home'.

"Words are always inspiring to me, especially unique ones like that."

"A lot of the inspiration I have for films are from unique words or instrumentals to a sound track,” said Kaelyn. “With both words and instruments I can see films unfolding in my brain just waiting to be created."

Kaelyn watches a meteorite shoot through the western NSW sky in her new film Hireath. IMAGE SUPPLIED.

Not her first final

Kaelyn’s other films have been recognised at both domestic and international film festivals.

In 2021, when she was just 23 years old, she was awarded ‘Best Director’ for her film ‘The Switch’.

She has since added ‘Best Cinematography’ for her film ‘Fear Forrest’ and ‘Best Micro Film’, plus ‘Best Director’, ‘Best Production Design’ and ‘Runner- Up Best Actress’ for her film ‘Thief’.

New techniques

Kaelyn incorporated new cinematic techniques and technologies which she had never used before to create 'HIREATH'.

"Throughout the five minute short film I used new film technologies including green screen and computer generated imagery (CGI).

"'HIREATH' is around 40% green screen and 80% CGI. A green screen is a large backdrop placed in the back of a shot to allow for digital effects later," she said. "I ordered a cheap one from eBay a while back and had it set up in dad's shed at home in Coonamble to film.

"CGI played a huge part in the creation of this film, CGI is the creation of still or animated visual content with imaging software. The CGI software enabled me to artificially build the interior of a space ship, which is pretty cool,” she said.

"Being the first time I have played with these technologies, it made the editing process very difficult and time- consuming. The film is not perfect, but I have learnt so much from the experience.“

Bring on April

Kaelyn will travel to Coffs Harbour in late April to premiere her film in front of a judging panel, other film makers, and other Australian film industry players.

"I am so excited to be selected to take part in the Next Wave Film Festival, receiving the email stating I had been a successful nominee was a great feeling.

“Directing, acting and editing are all huge passions of mine,” she said. “I love being able to showcase my passion to others. April cannot come quick enough.”