Your curated guide to Lotterywest Films

Not sure where to start with our epic film program? We’ve got you! Here’s a breakdown from our film curator herself Madeline Bates.

'It’s always easier to uncover the connecting themes of a program with a little hindsight. As we were fitting the final puzzle pieces together for our eclectic and celebrated collection of 2025 films, it became clear that several films (although each with their own distinctive style) had a few themes in common. From classic coming-of-age arcs that capture the magic and terror of growing up or growing old, to imaginative calls to action on some of the world’s greatest issues, or to the beauty and redemption of unexpected friendships and creative community connections, get to know the program and what’s been inspiring some of the world’s best cinema-makers through these thematic entry points.'

Growing up and growing old

Coming-of-age tales are a classic cinematic story-arc that remind us of the intensity, camaraderie and sheer confusion of adolescence (our cheeky and charming opening film Dìdi), or the growing up caused by sudden responsibilities (the brilliantly naturalistic and also cheeky Holy Cow). But this arc also translates to later-in-life stories that are equally rich and absorbing to watch on the big screen (such as the highs and lows of looking for a love as a senior Iranian woman in My Favourite Cake, another hidden gem).  

Friendship and (chosen) families 

Likewise, making sense of friends and families is another gift cinema gives us. Whether that’s with random strangers on the internet (Bob Trevino Likes It), through the indescribable bond with another species (Black Dog), untangling the knottiness of biological families (Dying) or finding joy and connection in chosen ones (All We Imagine as Light and Crossing).

Grab a camera and take to the streets 

In 1968 filmmakers like Jean Luc Godard were spurred into creative action by the rallying call – Grab a camera and take to the streets – and filmmakers across the world are still bearing witness to world events through their creative instruments. Like the maestro septuagenarian Agnieszka Holland (Green Border) or the exiled Mohammad Rasolouf (The Seed of the Sacred Fig). Both these triumphs are incredible, inventive and intimate feats of speaking truth to power. They give us as international audiences unrivalled insights into their worlds.

Community and creativity 

Finally, cinema has a wealth of stories about great teachers, or mentors, and their transformative impact, helping their community break through, or break out of, challenging circumstances, helping communities revive hope and redeem their future. Anapela Polataivao’s tremendous performance in Tinā as the charismatic rule-breaker, giving privileged teenagers the one thing they lack – creative nurturing – is a revelation. While the wonderful Colman Domingo and formidable cast of former inmates show us in Sing Sing the power of creative arts as a radical, healing and joyous form of intervention for creating stronger communities.

With 22 films to choose from, including documentaries, drama, comedy, animation and more, there's a world of cinema to discover at Lotterywest Films.