Two star-crossed teenage boys must escape a violent entity that takes the form of the person they desire most — each other.

After a long time apart, local deadbeat John must take care of reserved schoolboy Jack over a weekend in an insular working-class outpost of Western Sydney. However, Jack’s attempt to re-establish their relationship is threatened as John’s self-destructive nature emerges.
Mate is an uncompromising examination of toxic masculinity, maturity, and the challenges of growth within a changing social landscape. Featuring starmaking performances from Joshua Brennan and Jeremy Blewitt.
Winner: International Grand Prix Clermont-Ferrand 2022