Australia Speaks
Point of Connection
From Charli Waite
Point of Connection is a short documentary inspired by Australia’s growing loneliness epidemic. The film explores one social club in Sydney, Maple Social Club, which aims to create low-stakes environments where young people can meet, socialise and form meaningful connections. Through a series of talking-head interviews, co-founder Connor Cameron reflects on the causes of loneliness among young Australians and how Maple Social Club is creating new opportunities for connection and community.
Hi, I'm Charli Waite, a third-year student at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS). My love for storytelling began through acting, where I developed a passion for working with actors and experimenting with performance.
During AFTRS, that passion evolved into filmmaking, becoming mesmerized by how the elements of screen language like directing, cinematography, editing, and sound work together to create meaning. In my second year, I directed my first documentary, and am currently in pre-production on a fiction short film that I wrote and will direct as my graduation project.
As a filmmaker, I am drawn to character-driven stories that explore our emotional needs with empathy and humour.
Why did you choose to tell this story
I chose to tell this story because I have experienced the effects of loneliness myself and have become increasingly interested in how young people can build meaningful social connections. I was drawn to Maple Social Club because it offers a simple, low-pressure way for people to meet and socialise. I believe social groups like Maple can play an important role in creating opportunities for connection and community, particularly at a time when loneliness is increasingly affecting young Australians.
What do you hope audiences take away from your project
I hope audiences leave the film feeling encouraged to seek out connection and community in their own lives. Loneliness can often feel isolating, but I want the film to show that there are simple ways to meet people and build meaningful relationships. I hope audiences are inspired to be more open to social opportunities and maybe even attend a Maple Social Event