RAGE

As Julie Mac and her gang of Sharpies fight their way through their turbulent teenage years, Julie reflects on the unexpected bond between herself and the Italian tailor who crafts her iconic ‘Connie’ cardigan; a symbol that will firmly establish her within the Sharpie subculture and strengthen her sense of identity.

RAGE is a snapshot of the Sharpie subculture in 1970s Melbourne — a time when running from the cops, avoiding the ticket inspectors, drinking, spewing and rooting were all in a nights work.

[ Inspired by the book RAGE: A Sharpie's Journal, Melbourne 1974 - 1980 by Julie Mac ]

  • Renee Kypriotis
    Writer
  • Renee Kypriotis
    Director
  • Kasia Silva
    Producer
  • Mia Artemis
    Key Cast
    "Julie Mac"
    Anyone But You (2023), Sweet Tooth (2021 - 2023)
  • Alfredo Malabello
    Key Cast
    "Mr. Salvatore"
  • Ryan Bell
    Cinematographer
  • Kimberly Lam
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Coming Of Age, Period
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 48 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 22, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    16mm Film
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1:66:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Renee Kypriotis

Renee Kypriotis’ appreciation for visual storytelling and passion for collaboration defines her distinctive style as an Australian-based actor and director.

With years of training as an actor and extensive industry experience following her Bachelor of Film and Television, Renee continues to refine her craft of narrative filmmaking.

Whilst her latest short film, RAGE, is currently doing the festival circuit, she is also in pre-production for two more short films, slated to shoot in 2025.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I was seventeen when I first became aware of the Sharpie subculture. It was a term I didn’t understand at the time, but as my intrigue grew, so did the depth of my research.

Through my exploration of the Sharpie subculture, I found parallels that resonated with me on many levels. On the one hand, as a third-generation Greek-Australian, I sought to explore the unexpected connection between Sharpies and European migrants; showcasing the intersection of two disparate worlds. To me, there was something so intriguing about Aussie kids from the suburbs finding themselves in a knitwear shop owned by an old wog, who is helping them design the single item of clothing that defines their entire personality within a subculture.

On the other hand, Julie’ Mac’s book, ‘RAGE' (that the film was based on) struck a chord with me for its raw depiction of girlhood, which as we know, is not a smooth ride in the slightest. Julie Mac’s candid portrayal of her experiences growing up as a Sharpie, resonated with my own tumultuous journey through adolescence. For myself, growing up as a young girl in the suburbs of Sydney, feeling constantly depressed and insecure, sneaking out of home, drinking, smoking and being a menace to my parents; I couldn’t help but notice the parallels, and I felt seen. Even though I wasn’t a Sharpie, the feeling of wanting to find your tribe as a young person, and by whatever means necessary doing what you can to survive growing up, is a universal experience.

Aside from my own personal connection, I felt a responsibility to preserve the history of the Sharpie subculture through my film as I believe it is essential to document these stories, often overlooked and misunderstood, to ensure they are not forgotten.