Ainsley Halbmeijer

This partly animated documentary short tells the story of seafarers stranded on cargo ships around the world. Abandoned by employers, ship owners and states alike, these ships are unable to berth or change crews, leaving workers trapped onboard what are effectively floating prisons months and sometimes years past their contracts. Rations grow scarcer and hope dissipates for these invisible workers, whose plight has only worsened since the border closures and travel restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Above Water explores why these seafarers are left in this position and recounts the stories of individuals desperate to return home.

Follows a group of young Australians who stutter as they take part in a 10-week performing arts program to create a unique theatre piece, which they’ll perform for family and friends.

A 17 minute portrait documentary film that explores one woman’s lived experiences as a survivor of domestic violence and homelessness, told with humour and heart.