Stranger Brother is 15 minutes of evocative cinema from the already well- recognised and talented director Annelise Hickey, who was awarded Australian Emerging Director at Melbourne International Film Festival 2023. Hickey delivers a charming and compelling narrative, using the short format to its fullest potential. The film follows Adam, played by Tiaki Teremoana, a queer Polynesian man who has left his roots behind to build a hedonistic life in Melbourne. His world is shaken when his younger brother Mose, played by 10 year old Samson Uili, unexpectedly arrives, forcing him to confront unresolved tensions and his own place within his family network, offering a nuanced look at the challenges of reconciling where you’re going and where you’ve come from.
Irresistible Magazine caught up with the team and talent behind the Sundance selected Australian short on the red carpet. They told Irresistible that the production timeline was remarkably short and that they managed to prepare and shoot the film in just nine days, an achievement that speaks to their resourcefulness and dedication. Matt Chung, the cinematographer, also at Sundance with the film Jimpa, brought a keen eye and a layer of authenticity to the project, capturing the raw emotions of the characters and the vibrancy of Melbourne, with plenty of close camera work and fast moving pans.
Director Annelise Hickey
Screenwriter Annelise Hickey
Producers Tessa Mansfield-Hung and Josie Baynes
Director of Photography Matthew Chuang ACS
Production Designer Francesca Carey
Edited by Grace Eyre
Music Composer Will Morrissey
Sound Designer Sean Wilkinson
Colorist CJ Dobson CSI
Executive Producer Jarred Osborn
Produced by Wildebeest Films
Premiering at Sundance Film Festival 2025
Starring Tiaki Teremoana, Samson Uili, Charly Thorn and Patrick Livesey
Teremoana portrays Adam’s struggles with quiet intensity and a twitchy edge to his questions, while Uili is fabulously understated for a child actor, and brings a vulnerability wrapped around straight- forward fun that lifts the role of the younger sibling. Charly Thorn plays Laura, Adam’s deep- in- the- party- scene- best friend, who evolves and bonds with Mose alongside Adam, and Patrick Livesey is Damian, a delightful and playful love interest, completing the trio of friends and illustrating the strength of new bonds over old history.
Producers Tessa Mansfield-Hung and Josie Baynes played a key role in organising the logistics under tight deadlines, ensuring the project moved forward, and describing the process as intense but rewarding. Editor Grace Eyre and sound designer Sean Wilkinson brought the story to life in post-production, maintaining a seamless flow and creating an immersive atmosphere. Their work enhances the film’s emotional weight, drawing viewers into the characters’ experiences.
Representation is a cornerstone of Stranger Brother. Hickey’s commitment to storytelling from her community is evident, and as in her previous work she has boldly cast young actors, crafting a role around Uili and showcasing the next generation of homegrown talent. Hickey’s direction is straightforward and effective, focusing on authenticity and character-driven storytelling. Her ability to elicit nuanced performances from the cast underscores her skill as a filmmaker. The film’s themes are universal, but Hickey’s personal touch gives them a fresh and relatable perspective. The bond between the brothers evolves naturally, avoiding clichés and embracing the complexities of real-life relationships.
Visually, Stranger Brother strikes a balance between the urban energy of Melbourne and the quieter, introspective moments between the brothers. The city serves as both a backdrop and a metaphor, reflecting Adam’s internal struggles and the contrast between his present and past lives. This interplay between setting and story adds depth without overwhelming the narrative.
Audiences at Sundance responded strongly to the film, and for many, Stranger Brother is a reminder of the power of storytelling to foster empathy and understanding. It stands out not only for its content but also for the passion and dedication of its creators.
We managed to pin down Annelise Hickey for a few extra Irresistible questions.
Congratulations on Stranger Brother. It really is a brilliant piece of cinema. Your first short, Hafekasi, won multiple awards, including at Tribeca and Melbourne International Film Festivals. Can you tell us about the story and its inspiration?
Annelise Hickey: Thank you! Hafekasi means “half-caste” in Tongan. My mum is Irish Australian, and my dad is Tongan. The film is a deeply personal mother-daughter story. It’s about a brown girl and her white mother, exploring their journey as the mother tries to understand her daughter’s cultural identity in a racist Australia. The short is loosely based on my experiences with my mum and was a beautiful healing process for us.
What was it like to share such a personal story on screen?
It felt vulnerable but necessary. At first, I questioned whether anyone would connect with it, but the overwhelming response showed me how many people—especially those of mixed race—struggle with belonging and identity. I think it resonates universally. People often reject parts of their heritage to fit in, and this story explores that journey of reconnection.
You mentioned you’re developing Hafekasi into a feature. What can you share about that process?
It’s exciting but also daunting. Developing the short into a feature allows me to delve deeper into the themes of identity, belonging, and intergenerational understanding. There’s still a long way to go, but the dream is to expand on these ideas and make something even more impactful.
Both Hafekasi and Stranger Brother feature children prominently. Why do you choose to work with young actors?
Kids bring an innate innocence to stories. Through them, we can explore deep themes like belonging and identity in a way that’s both honest and hopeful. For Hafekasi, we had a 10-year-old girl and a 3-year-old in key roles, and they were phenomenal. While working with children is often considered challenging, I find it rewarding. It’s a reminder of the responsibility we have as adults to nurture and protect that innocence.
What was your reaction when Stranger, Brother was selected for Sundance?
Disbelief! When I got the email, I thought it was a prank. It took a while to sink in because being part of Sundance has always been a dream. It’s a huge validation for the story and our work. That said, there’s definitely a bit of Australian imposter syndrome at play, but I’m learning to embrace the moment.
Was submitting to Sundance always part of the plan?
Yes, but more as a lofty goal. The deadline gave us something to aim for, but we told ourselves, “If it doesn’t happen, we’ll keep going.” I’d submitted a different film last year that didn’t make it, so this feels surreal. Some people submit for years without getting in. It’s humbling and incredible.
