SoundBoy.

Set in a small coastal town, SoundBoy follows Connor (William Ladder), a young fisherman torn between family obligation and a secret life as a music producer.

“This film has been a way for me to explore some of my own experiences growing up in a house full of intense male figures, often without a shortage of aggression,” says Monty O’Brien, who co-wrote and co-directed SoundBoy alongside Lily Stewart.

“This story explores a young man who has been juggling the suffocating expectations of his family and his calling to be a music producer.”

After a blow-up with his older brother, Connor is dragged into an impromptu joyride by his younger brother and a growing crew of friends, blasting his tracks across town. As the evening sets in, Connor must decide whether to continue living a life of self-suppression or finally give himself permission to follow his dream.

SoundBoy is a high-energy snapshot of youth, brotherhood, and creative courage in regional Australia.

“We wanted this film to feel very real and raw, so we shot a lot of it handheld, with wide lenses, so the audience would feel like they are stepping into the world with the characters,” says Monty.

At its heart, it’s a story about the struggle to pursue a creative path under immense familial pressure, but also an ode to those people in our corner who always back us, no matter what.

The music featured in the film is from Brazilian producers Crosstalk, DJ Lukinhas, and DJ Carlos, which Monty says really brings the film to life.

SoundBoy is produced by Harry Pearse and co-stars Lee Tiger Halley and Chris Alosio.

SoundBoy will screen at the Stellar Short Film Festival this weekend. Details here.

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