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VANDALS

When two teenage vandals are caught breaking into a car, they cross paths with dangerous men who coerce them into committing a serious crime.

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Teenagers DAVO and ANTS experiment with theft, smoking, and vandalism. Ants, timid and innocent, just wants to fit in — even if it means trying to be someone he’s not. Following the lead of Davo, arrogant and reckless, the boys push their luck too far and are caught breaking into a car owned by a charismatic but dangerous man. This man takes advantage of their naivety, inferring that all will be forgotten if they take on an easy job. In a disturbing turn of events, Davo and Ants find themselves complicit in a serious crime that will forever alter the course of their lives.

‘VANDALS’ (2025) is a 12-minute drama-thriller depicting coercion and vulnerability in suburban Australia. A cautionary tale, the film explores how misguided impressionable youths are susceptible to manipulation — especially when promised rewards and acceptance.

  • Alex Jeffree
    Director
  • Alex Jeffree
    Writer
  • Isis Fabjancic
    Producer
  • Nicky Thanou
    Executive Producers
  • Matt Squire
    Executive Producers
  • Sandra Cook
    Executive Producers
    The Ride (2012)
  • Aaron West
    Director of Photography
  • Kiaya Hessler
    Production Designer
  • Hudson Wilkins
    Sound Designer & Audio Recordist
  • Harper Lloyd
    1st Assistant Camera / Focus Puller
  • Conor Weir
    Key Cast
    "ANTS"
  • Tobias Cichero
    Key Cast
    "DAVO"
  • Hamish Phillips
    Key Cast
    "MAN IN SUIT"
  • Henry Toal
    Key Cast
    "MAN WITH BEARD"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Thriller, Crime
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 51 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 2, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - The Academy of Interactive Entertainment / MAPS Film School
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Distribution Information
  • The Academy of Interactive Entertainment
    Distributor
    Country: Australia
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Alex Jeffree

Alex Jeffree (20) started making Lego stop motion animations at the age of six, beginning a lifelong passion for filmmaking. This would culminate in Alex studying at MAPS Film School (Academy of Interactive Entertainment), where he would direct his debut short film 'Down by the Jetty' (2024).

In his graduate year at film school, Alex would write and direct ‘VANDALS’ (2025) — a hard hitting drama-thriller depicting youth coercion in suburban Australia.

Alex strives to continue developing his craft as a writer and director, telling emotionally honest stories that connect with their audience.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Making ‘VANDALS’ (2025) gave me the opportunity to explore themes and characters that I’ve experienced and been affected by in my youth. I was interested in telling a coming-of-age story inside a gritty and authentically Australian crime/drama world — inspired by the raw and unflinching storytelling of 'SNOWTOWN' (2011), and 'ANIMAL KINGDOM' (2010).

I aimed to tell a cautionary tale of how impressionable youth can be susceptible to manipulation, especially when mixing in the wrong circles.

Working closely during rehearsals with our wonderfully talented cast, we prioritised the realism and authenticity of these characters. Striving to tell a story that felt honest first, before throwing you into the deep end of a thrilling and disturbing experience.