Experiencing Interruptions?

Split Lip

Tony is a quite, orphaned boxer, who has spent his life trying to earn the love of his coach and uncle; Michael. When that love is thrown into question Tony's darker, self-destructive nature starts to take hold.

  • Armin Dzafic
    Director
    The Unwise, Bunker, Turning Point
  • Armin Dzafic
    Writer
    The Unwise, Bunker, Turning Point
  • Armin Dzafic
    Producer
  • Guy Crofts
    Director of Photography
    Little Man, Bloody Maria, Lost Tapes
  • Michael Angelo Monaco
    Sound Designer
    The Unwise, Turning Point, Remus and Ron, True Blue
  • Luis A Harwood
    Editor
    The Unwise
  • Frankie Riley Dyson
    Composer
    The Unwise, Turning Point
  • Alexander Claude
    Key Cast
    "Tony"
    Lunatics, Reef Break
  • Korey Williams
    Key Cast
    "Michael"
    Harrow, Wanted, The Brighton Miracle
  • Nathan Williams
    Key Cast
    "Barry"
    Primal, Hoges, In Like Flynn
  • Caiden McElroy-Chilvers
    Key Cast
    "Young Tony"
  • Victor Fain
    Key Cast
    "Jon"
    Tidelands, Harrow
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Sport, LGBT
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 36 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 30, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1:85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Armin Dzafic

A raw up and coming filmmaker who focuses on personal, character driven dramas that delve into confronting subjects. His past films have awards at multiple festivals, His film 'Turning Point' won Best Film, and Best Director in 2016. Dzafic's films are strong performance pieces with striking filmmaking behind them. His work since graduating Griffith Film School in 2017 has consisted of various Music Videos for local Brisbane Artists as well as Corporate Videography.

Dzafic's focus on character dramas allows him to work closely with his actors in preparation and his films have won multiple Best Actor awards at film festivals.

He has directed Ellie Popov (Thicker than Water & We Were Tomorrow), Alistar Osment (Deadline Gallipoli & Top of the Lake) & Donnie Baxter (Love and Monsters & Neighbours)

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a recently open Bi-Sexual man, Split-Lip is a story that was extremely close to me. The story was written and shot while I was still in the closet. A lot of the film delves in the fear of losing parental love and the desperation of holding onto it by any mean necessary.

The story deals with how chasing someone's love can be self-destructive and tackles themes of masculinity, violence and self-worth in the process.

Getting the film made proved to be an uphill battle that took us through crowdfunding, personal struggles & a pandemic. This film's shoot, crew and locations have been adjusted a multitude of times due in no small part to COVID-19. It was an interesting journey that I could not have done without such a talented cast and crew.

I'm so incredibly thankful to everyone who was apart of the project. It was the best and most fulfilling experience I've had working on a film.