Cherry Season
Writer & Co-Producer
13 mins, 2018
Produced by Wintergarden Pictures with the assistance of Create NSW in association with SBS.
Watch Now on SBS On Demand
Summer has arrived in Shantelle’s (Yassica Switakowski) hometown of Young, NSW. Between stacking the shelves with cherries and scrolling through women on her feed, there doesn’t appear to be much going on in Shantelle’s life to keep her there. But when she discovers her wayward teenage half-sister, Tamara (Kate Fruend), posting raunchy pics online, Shantelle must hunt her down and, with the help of a callow workmate (Travis Jeffery), stop Tamara crossing a dangerous line. Faced with prejudice in her small country town as she attempts to balance the duality of her responsibility and her sexuality, Shantelle must choose who to protect – her sister, herself or a young gay man at risk.
Exploring themes of sexuality, identity and community in rural Australia, Cherry Season presents a unique perspective on LGBTQIA+ issues in small communities as it follows a young woman faced with conflicting notions of isolation, conformity and responsibility.
Directed by Joshua Longhurst and produced with the assistance of Create NSW and in association with SBS, Cherry Season was broadcast on national television channel SBS Viceland and on SBS On Demand in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Sydney Mardi Gras.
WINNER Best Screenplay, Melbourne Queer Film Festival 2019