Flickerfest: Bondi actor Dylan Hare to debut film ‘Armstrong’ at eastern suburbs festival

Eastern suburbs actor Dylan Hare will make his directorial debut at Flickerfest this month. See the inspiration behind his grungy take on a night in Sydney.

Dylan Hare’s directorial debut, ‘Armstrong’.

A Bondi local’s gritty take on a single day in Sydney is the inspiration for a new film set to debut at Flickerfest.

Actor, Dylan Hare, will make his directorial debut of his short film ‘Armstrong’, a gritty 24-hour saga in Sydney, is set to premier at the short-film competition.

Hare said the film was a tribute to “resilience and friendship”.

The 34-year-old and his partner, Maleeka Gasbarri, bring to life a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of Sydney.

The film follows the journey of a countrydweller pursuing a new life in the city.

Film maker and actor Dylan Hare with his partner, Maleeka (Curly) Gasbarri at the set of their movie "Armstrong", Photo: Supplied.

Set over 24-hour, the short film, takes viewers through a series of unfortunate events.

“A country bloke moves to Sydney with high hopes for a new life,” he said.

“We follow him through the course of 24 hours where he fights for his life.”

The self-funded film, which cost just $2500, was supported by a small team of eight people in front or behind the camera.

Hare said the inspiration for ‘Armstrong’ stemmed from a story he had heard on a radio, during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“He was telling his hilariously dark story of what happened to him while holidaying in Canada,” Hare said.

“COVID-19 lockdown rocked me, there were no auditions coming through, I felt lost and realised I had no control on when my next job was going to come.”

“I really admire Aussie actors/filmmakers Nash and Joel Edgerton and after having a conversation with them, I decided to take the reins and make my own work.”

Hare grew up in the small farming town of Deniliquin, and moved to Sydney in 2013 to attend drama school.

Actor of the film Armstrong, Simon Elrahi who passed away a few months ago. Elrahi plays the character of 'Nurse Walters' in the film, Photo: Supplied.

The film is also a tribute to his late friend, actor Simon Elrahi who plays the character of ‘Nurse Walters’ in the film.

“Sadly, he passed away a few months ago and we are dedicating the film to him,” he said.

The Flickerfest film festival is one of the longest running events held at the Bondi Pavilion, supporting Australian short filmmakers and international short films for more than 30 years.

The short film will premiere at the Bondi Pavilion on January 20, at 9pm.