The Void

Hello! I'm Olivia Khoo from Melbourne Australia and I am currently studying a Bachelor of Film and TV at Swinburne University of Technology. I am thrilled that my short comedy film titled 'The Void', starring Elijah Valery Slavinskis and Joe Brett Cook, was nominated for Best Acting.

What inspired you and your work?

The idea of 'The Void' was initially created by the painfully relatable experience of loosing a TV remote. Procrastinating writing a script for a uni class, I was going to watch some TV only to be met with the realisation that I couldn't find my remote anywhere. After searching and searching I found it lodged into the side of the couch and thought, ""hey this could make for a good short film"". It all began from a girl with procrastination issues and ended with a 90 second short with a nomination at the AUYFF.

In terms of stylistic and broader inspirations, I love the absurdist and surrealist style of the 2022 film 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'. The beautiful chaos and dramatic flare the actors bring to the film really inspired my short film. Additionally, the actors themselves in 'The Void', Elijah and Joe, are a massive inspiration for the story. Inspiring the characters in my film, the relationship dynamic between the two leads is so unique. Their comedic timing and improvisation is unmatched so I was thrilled and honoured to have them as part of the developmental process of my film.