For regular readers of the Curb..., you'll no doubt be familiar with the admiration and respect that I have for Laneikka Denne and the cohort of filmmakers and storytellers they've worked with over their career. The pinnacle of that admiration came in 2024 with the short film Oi, directed by the equally great Sophie Serisier. That film sat comfortably at the top of my Best Australian Films of the year list, a statement that's been further cemented over time.
Both Sophie and Laneikka have worked alongside David Robinson-Smith on films like Mud Crab and We Used to Own Houses, films that aren't the result of a singular vision, but rather echoes of a landscape, divined into existence through the communal efforts of creative folks who have infrequently seen themselves on screen.
In this expansive interview, Laneikka and Sophie unpack Australiana, queer identity, their collaborative work, and the depth of Oi, plus much more.
Oi screens at Revelation Perth International Film Festival alongside the feature film BRB. Tickets are available via RevelationFilmFest.org:
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Andrew F Peirce