Audio: Travelling Film Festival Set To Hit Newcastle This Month

The Travelling Film Festival is set to visit Newcastle this 24-26 June, with screenings set to take place at Event Cinemas Kotara.

Described as ‘Australia’s longest-running travelling film festival,’ the festival is set to visit up to 24 locations across Australia including, Northern Territory, New South Wales, and Queensland.

The festival will showcase nine feature-length films, starting with ‘6 Festivals,’ on Friday night from 7 PM.

Newy.com.au spoke with the Travelling Film Festivals manager Sanam Rodrigues who was excited to see the festival return to Newcastle.

“We have a lot of people who come to the Travelling Film Festival, and we are so very lucky to be coming back, you know, despite the challenges of the past few years.” said Ms Rodrigues.

On Saturday, June 25th, ‘Everybody’s Oma’ a 93-minute documentary directed by Central Coast filmmaker and documentarian Jason van Genderen will screen from 12:30 PM.

The documentary film follows the journey of Jason’s Dutch mother Hendrika or known simply to fans as ‘Oma,’ and the realities of life living with and caring for someone with Dementia.

Dementia, the second leading cause of death in Australia (ABS 2020), is also said to be the leading cause of death for women according to the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare.

Oma’s smile, personality, and her story of cognitive decline captured audiences of more than 141K followers on Facebook via the page ‘Oma’s Applesauce.’

One of many fond moments shared with fans was during the Covid-19 pandemic, with Jason and his family replicating an ‘at home,’ Coles shopping experience for Oma.

Sadly, the family announced in February this year that Oma passed away at age 89, with former Prime Minister Scott Morrison paying tribute;

“Very sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Oma. Her smile was truly wonderful. Treasure all those special memories you have of her.” said Mr Morrison.

Tickets can be purchased via the festival website, or in person at Event Cinemas Kotara.