I’ve Never Seen a Straight Banana.

Four new documentaries inspired by lesser-known Western Australian historical events will be showcased in a series of free screenings as part of WA Reflections. 

The State Library of Western Australia has partnered with Screenwest and Lotterywest for a third season – opening its archives as inspiration for early to mid-career filmmakers to use items in the collection, including letters, diaries, posters, photographs and audio visual material, to make short films. 

The documentaries are based on uniquely Western Australian stories and will be screened at the State Library Theatre in November and December. 

For the first time, WA Reflections films will join the Perth Festival Lotterywest Films line-up, showing before selected feature films at the Somerville Auditorium between December and March. 

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Screenwest Documentary Executive Melissa Hayward said: “WA Reflections returns for its third year, and we’re excited to see how the next generation of filmmakers have reimagined the State Library archive for the big screen. This initiative offers filmmakers a unique opportunity to explore largely unknown moments in WA history, giving audiences a glimpse into extraordinary aspects of our history and culture.” 

State Library of WA Manager Engagement and Creative Programs David Craddock said: “Documentary filmmaking is one of the most potent ways that the State Library’s collection can be brought to life. Having our rich archive of Western Australian photographs, film, audio and ephemera woven together in creative ways by emerging film makers is a highlight of our public program. We can’t wait to share another season of quirky, unexpected and at-times heartwarming Western Australian stories with the public.”

Screening dates are:

Thursday 20 November 

Love, Rock En Masse: A documentary that explores the groundbreaking collision of rock music and religion in 1970s Perth through the iconic rock masses at St George’s Cathedral. Key creatives: Director/Co-Writer Mahalia Bowles; Producer/Co-Writer Emma Wilkes. 

Thursday 4 December 

The Road Ahead: A heartwarming story of the life and legacy of disability pioneer, Dr Arnold Cook, his guide dog Dreena and the guide dog movement. Key creatives: Director Claire Ha; Producer Kelvin Ha; Writer Michelle Tan. 

Thursday 11 December 

I’ve Never Seen a Straight Banana: A bold journey of self-discovery where an emerging performer sets out to honour the legacy of acclaimed vaudeville entertainer and male impersonator Effie Fellows (1893-1977). Key creative: Director/Producer Marco Noe. 

Thursday 18 December 

A Search Beyond the Stars: A history of WA’s space exploration and its significant achievements along the way. Key creatives: Producer Luke Riches; Writer/Director Daniel Riches

The library screenings are free and each session starts at 6.30pm, followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers and subject specialists. Bookings can be made here: slwa.wa.gov.au/WAReflections2025 

The State Library and Screenwest provided up to $25,000 production funding per project for filmmaking teams to produce a short documentary of up to seven minutes’ duration, along with mentoring and support. 

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