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Cactus & Mime

A documentary crew inadvertently captures the declining success of a children's theatre duo. Based on the award-winning stage play 'Cactus and the Mime'.

  • Darcy Conlan
    Director
    Somniloquy, Silent Night, Two Heads Creek
  • Roby Favretto
    Writer
    Paradox Pizza, Wonder, No Privacy In Public
  • Caitlin Spears
    Writer
    Caution
  • Roby Favretto
    Producer
    Caution, Paradox Pizza, No Privacy In Public
  • Caitlin Spears
    Producer
    Caution
  • Roby Favretto
    Key Cast
    "Trevor (Cactus)"
    My Life is Murder, Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Leftovers
  • Caitlin Spears
    Key Cast
    "Amanda (Mime)"
    Caution, Paradox Pizza, Wonder
  • Christine Husband
    Key Cast
    "Zara"
    Rostered On
  • Rommel Daroya
    Key Cast
    "Father"
    Little Diva Rising, Secret Bridesmaids' Business
  • Christian Taylor
    Key Cast
    "Talent Show Host"
    Promised
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Comedy, Drama, Romance, Mockumentary
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 44 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    12,000 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital C500
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.90
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Setting Sun Film Festival
    Melbourne
    Australia
    June 18, 2021
    Melbourne Premiere
    Best Film (People's Choice)
Director Biography - Darcy Conlan

Channelling an early passion for movies into an uncompromising approach to each project, Darcy Conlan is a Melbourne-based Director and Cinematographer with experience in a diverse range of roles in the filmmaking process. After graduating from Swinburne University with the Best Director award, Darcy's graduate film Somniloquy won Best Achievement in Sound Post Production at St Kilda Film Festival.

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Director Statement

In 2017 I had the privilege of seeing my friends Roby & Caitlin perform 'Cactus and the Mime' as a stage play at Melbourne Fringe Festival. It really blew me away. It struck this wild, acid dream balance of dark and absurdist humour mixed with genuine pathos and tragedy; just totally personal and unique. So when the pair approached me and asked whether I would take on the role of directing their short film adaptation, I was incredibly honoured and excited by the fresh take on the material they proposed.

Together we crafted a documentary-style around the titular characters, grounding them in the rules of the form. My highlight from the project was collaborating and guiding Roby and Caitlin's performances each day, exploring their nuanced and colourful characters over an extended period of time on stage and screen. To see them both fully realised in this film is a treat.