C3. Best Cinematography (Nominee)
IN-BETWEEN
From Allegra Croome
A young girl, haunted by the loss of a close friend, runs frantically through a dense forest, desperate to escape an unseen force that seems determined to catch her. As fear and confusion begin to consume her, fragments of the past filter through, revealing memories of a love filled friendship cut short and the debilitating grief that follows. With each desperate step, the line between reality and memory begins to blur, forcing her to confront the emotions she has spent so long avoiding.
As the pursuit nears its end, the girl discovers that the force that had been chasing her was not a stranger but a manifestation of her own guilt. She is faced with the decision to either accept the loss and move forwards or remain stuck 'in-between'. Through symbolic visuals and emotional storytelling, the film explores the lasting impact of grief and the existence of guilt when seeking closure.
Hello, my name is Allegra Croome, and I moved to Melbourne this year from Warrnambool, Victoria to study media and communications at RMIT. I’ve always been passionate about film, particularly its ability to connect people through emotion and meaning when sharing stories that might otherwise go unheard. After completing my degree, I hope to pursue a career in the film industry, whether that be directing, editing, camerawork or other creative roles; having my short film 'IN-BETWEEN' be shortlisted for Best Cinematography is an extremely rewarding milestone in my creative journey.
What inspired you and your work?
Growing up as a teenager and now a young adult, I have seen firsthand the importance of protecting and prioritising mental health which has made me passionate about bringing these conversations into my creative work. Something that has stood out to me in the media is how grief is often portrayed as something that can be neatly overcome, when in reality it is a complex and deeply personal experiences that can bring along feelings of guilt and uncertainty. ‘IN-BETWEEN’ was inspired by a desire to explore these realities with honesty, showing that healing is rarely straightforward and that moving forward isn’t as simple as just letting go. The film draws from not only my own experiences but also from conversations I have had with people around me, reflecting stories and emotions that I feel deserve greater representation on screen. A major creative influence on my work is Jordan Peele, whose ability to incorporate meaningful social commentary into compelling narratives has shaped the way I think about filmmaking, inspiring me to see film not only as a form of entertainment but also as a powerful tool for encouraging meaningful conversations.