Our short documentary Return Chute: The survival of a small town video store is one of only 14 films selected as a finalist in the 2023 Far South Film Festival.

We’re especially thrilled to be selected because this festival celebrates Australian regional filmmakers. The finalist selection showcases wonderful and diverse short films from across the country. Congratulations to all our fellow finalists.

The Far South Film Festival is at the Picture Show Man Cinema in Merimbula, NSW on 19 August 2023.

Return Chute is the story of Rod O’Hara, the current owner of Bellingen Video Connection, one of the last remaining video stores in the world. Despite personal setbacks and against all odds, Rod and loyal local customers have kept the store open in this era of global streaming services. 

Return Chute is a short documentary directed and produced by Simone Atallah with cinematography and editing by Mick Jones and sound mixing by Ryan Burrows.