Emotionally charged thriller Proclivitas will make its world premiere at SXSW Sydney in October, ahead of its theatrical release in February next year.

Written and directed by Miley Tunnecliffe (Molly and Cara, The Heights, 100% Wolf) and produced by Kate Separovich (Girt By Sea, Evie, Dirt Music), Proclivitas is the story of a grieving woman who rekindles a romance with her teenage sweetheart, awakening painful memories of the past and a terrifying demon determined to possess her.

The film, which was shot around Perth, including in Mundaring, will debut at SXSW Sydney on October 16, before its national release in Australian cinemas on February 19, 2026.

Proclivitas was the 2023 recipient of Screenwest’s highly coveted West Coast Visions initiative, which is designed to uncover, inspire and develop talented Western Australian filmmakers with distinctive visions for a debut feature film for theatrical release. It provides production funding for first-time feature film directors in Western Australia.

Fremantle-born and raised, WAAPA-trained actress Rose Riley (Stateless, Mr Inbetween) stars as Clare, a woman recovering from addiction who returns to her hometown and rekindles an old romance with Jerry played by George Mason (Power of the Dog, Exposure). Alongside the duo is WA actor Hayley McElhinney (The Babadook, Mystery Road: Origin) as Jerry’s sister, Tara.

“Having Proclivitas make its world premiere at home in Australia, and at a bold, progressive festival like SXSW Sydney, is a dream come true,” says Miley Tunnecliffe.

“This film was made by an entirely WA team and tells a deeply personal story rooted in our landscape and culture. To share it for the first time with a homegrown audience in this kind of setting is incredibly meaningful.”

“SXSW Sydney is a celebration of boundary-pushing cinema, and that’s exactly what Proclivitas is. We’re excited to represent Western Australian filmmaking on the national stage and to champion our incredible cast and crew – many of whom are local women leading in their field,” says producer Kate Separovich.

SXSW Sydney runs from October 13 to 19.