a Sydney-based studio.
THE CONVERSATION
Oscar and BAFTA-Qualifying Festival Run
SILVER AWARD AT THE
YOUNG DIRECTOR AWARDS IN CANNES 2025
From the 1940s to 1980s, an estimated 150,000 unwed Australian mothers were coerced into giving up their newborn babies for adoption. In the years after, many grew up questioning if their parents were truly their own, living with the regret of never having asked.
With the help of a few actors, we gave Judith the chance to re-create this important conversation - one she always wished she'd had with her mother.
Short film – Australia – 2024
Colour | English | 1.85:1 | 5.1
SYNOPSIS
CAST
Judith Hancock, Ruth Greening, Tara Barton, Sharon Leigh Dunne, Sandy Adsett
director Archie Hancock, Jack Zimmerman
cinematography Flynn Clarkson
edited by Archie Hancock, Jack Zimmerman, Baro Lee
colourist Baro Lee
sound recorded by Flynn Clarkson
sound design, mix & composition Mara Scherdtfeger
CREW
NEWS
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SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
‘Are my parents really my parents?’ Judith’s search for answers took an unlikely turn
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THE CURB
St Kilda Film Festival Interview: Archie Hancock & Jack Zimmerman on giving space to unsaid stories in The ‘Conversation’.
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FILMINK
The Conversation about The “Conversation”
DESPITE THE NIGHT
Coming Soon
Months after a volcanic eruption, a cloud of ash still looms overhead, plunging much of northern Australia into a perpetual night. As a city empties, days bleed into nights, seasons vanish, and time begins to rot. Inside a quiet apartment, two brothers face the slow death of their world, and a faster one inside their home.
Short film – Australia – 2025
Colour | English | 1.85:1 | 5.1
SYNOPSIS
CAST
Ed Oxenbold (Wildlife, The Visit), Joe Bird (Talk to Me)
director writer editor Archie Hancock, Jack Zimmerman
director of photography Sean Ryan (The Moogai)
producers Patrick & Duncan Graham (Dipped in Black), Zac Perry (Space Rats), Maisie Watkins, Luca Blades
CREW
KINDLING
Official Selection Revelation Festival Perth
During a road trip through rural Australia, a young girl gradually uncovers a startling truth: her mother is looting houses that have been abandoned due to a rapidly approaching bushfire.
Short film – Australia – 2024
Colour | English | 1.85:1 | 5.1
SYNOPSIS
CAST
Catherine Mazur, Gabriella Hirschson
director writer editor Archie Hancock, Jack Zimmerman
best boy Royang Huangfu Murray
catering Fiona Hancock
colourist Baro Lee
composed by Jordan Tulinsky
development producers Stephanie Holmes, Izabella Rizzo
digital imaging Sebastian Reategui
director of photography Tyron Seeto
first assistant camera Jubilee Chan
first assistant director Stephanie Holmes
gaffer Justin McLean
production costume design Isabella Rizzo
second assistant camera Vada Gock
sound recordist and sound designer Jack Moiseyev
producers Mitch Seljanovski, Giorgia Stawaruk
CREW
WHERE THE CATTLE GO TO DRINK
Blackbird Moonrise Festival 2024
On a remote cattle farm in rural Australia, an Argentine farmhand calls his son back home, masking the grim reality of being trapped on the property after his passport was confiscated.
Short film – Australia – 2024
Colour | English | 1.85:1 | 5.1
SYNOPSIS
CAST
Spencer Develyn, Agustin Paz, Anthony Thomas
director Archie Hancock, Jack Zimmerman
producer Izabella Rizzo, Mitch Seljanovski
assistant director Bianca Wei
director of photography Tyron Seeto
sound recordist Jack Moiseyev
gaffer Jasmin Suivi
best boy Royang Huangfu Murray
1st assistant camera Jubilee Chan
art department / costume Cameron Farnham
