melancholia is a short film that’s so visually stunning, you’d never believe it was shot using an iPhone.

Originally made for the WA Made Film Festival’s smartphone filmmaking competition, Get Smart! Presented by Buy West Eat Best, melancholia explores the ups and downs of dealing with depression.

The film follows Blue (played by the film’s writer and director, Lisette McAllister-Liew) as she goes through the motions of her mental health, waiting for the wave to pass.

With some dark comedy and abstract visuals peppered throughout, the film aims to shed some light on the experience of depression while encouraging viewers to take care of themselves until they feel better.

Lisette McAllister-Liew is predominantly a production and costume designer in Boorloo-Perth who is slowly making her way into the world of writing and directing.

Passionate about mental health and reflecting life’s complexities on-screen, McAllister-Liew hopes to create films that resonate with audiences and make them feel less alone. She has an eye for colour, costume and striking visuals that enhance the story and leave her personal mark.

You can watch melancholia below.

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