Alla Malakhitova as Anna in Skeleton Girls. A Kidnapped Society
Western Australian indie feature film Skeleton Girls. A Kidnapped Society has become the first Australian film to receive the Special Jury Award in the Fantastic Cinema competition at the prestigious Fantasporto International Film Festival held in Porto, Portugal.
Since its founding in 1981, Fantasporto – Porto International Film Festival has developed a distinguished reputation as a discovery festival for emerging talents and daring cinematic voices. This year’s edition featured dozens of first films, 31 Premieres, and 2 Australian features in competition. The festival announced the winners of their top awards at their closing ceremony held on 7th March 2026.
Judged by an international jury, Skeleton Girls. A Kidnapped Society became the first Australian film in the festival’s 46 year history to receive the Special Jury Award, the festival’s 2nd top prize, a major achievement for an indie feature. It also makes it the first Australian film to win one of the top prizes at the festival since John Polson’s Siam Sunset won Best Film in 2000.
Written and directed by WA filmmaker Richard Eames and co-produced by Eames and Helena Tay, Skeleton Girls is a mind melting mix of bold animations, dark satire, provocative punk thriller narrative, starring a massive all-WA cast and shot by rising local cinematographer Meredith Lindsay (Proclivitas).
ADVERTISEMENT
The filmmakers had planned to attend the festival for their film’s International Premiere on 5th March 2026, but those plans fell through with the outbreak of war in the Middle East leading to their flights being cancelled just days before the trip.
“To receive this level of recognition from such a pioneering festival as Fantasporto is beyond anything we could have ever expected,” says Richard.
“It’s been a week of such mixed emotions so to receive this honour of the Special Jury Award is validation for the years of hard work and risks we took to make this film a reality. The calibre of films to have been recognised with this award over the decades are truly incredible and include works by filmmakers who have been a massive inspiration for me like Shinya Tsukamoto.
“To be put in their company is surreal and an unbelievable honour. We thank the jury and the festival for their support, it motives us to continue forging forward with more bold and provocative work.”
Skeleton Girls was one of two Australian features selected for Fantasporto’s main competition – Fantastic Cinema. The other Australian film Lenore by David Ward also found success taking home the Audience Award. The major prize for Best Film – Fantastic Cinema went to Argentinian film The Dollmaker.
Other notable Australian films to have found success at the festival over the years include the Aussie cult classic Two Hands (Director’s Week Screenplay Special Mention, 2000), Siam Sunset (Best Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Actress, 2000) and Living Space (Best Actress, 2019).
Skeleton Girl’s pulsating original electronic score by Steven Alyian was also released to coincide with the film’s international premiere on 5th March and is available to stream or buy now from http://www.skeletongirls.com
If you enjoy Cinema Australia as much as I love publishing it, please consider supporting Cinema Australia’s commitment to the Australian screen industry via a donation below.
I strive to shine a light on Australian movies, giving voice to emerging talent and established artists.
This important work is made possible through the support of Cinema Australia readers.
Without corporate interests or paywalls, Cinema Australia is committed to remaining free to read, watch and listen to, always.
If you can, please consider making a contribution. It takes less than a minute, and your support will make a significant impact in sustaining Cinema Australia as the much-loved publication that it is.
Thank you.
Matthew Eeles
Founder and Editor.Make a donation here.
Cinema Australia 