Wormwood — Press Kit

Logline

In the wake of an uncertain apocalypse, a queer couple leaves their religious town to trek the bush for safety, but when one of them vanishes, the other must survive a hellish wilderness that may be divine retribution.

Synopsis

It’s the year 2000, and Constance and Sam’s hometown is crumbling under fears of technological collapse and punishments from God. Being a closeted queer couple, Constance and Sam decide to leave town and travel to an abandoned house to wait out the social unrest in seclusion. As they trek across the bush, the girls encounter typical strains of wilderness survival, running out of water and tearing maps, but when they stumble upon an unattended tent, violent winds and the barks of vicious dogs send the couple fleeing in the wrong direction, and their simple journey turns sinister. What follows is a haunting story of fear and its ability to infect love, discussing the impact that shame and social pressures can have on relationships and the human psyche.

Directors' statement

RUMINA: is a student at UTS currently completing her third year of Media Art and Production with a dream to one day be doing this professionally. If you asked her, Rumina would tell you that she’s been telling stories since before she knew how to finish them. “Wormwood” came, as many of her other ideas did, from a half-baked notion of trying to understand her own worst fears and the world that could implacably make them a reality. Since then, she’s met some incredible people who have helped bring it to life. Maybe it’s time she shares it. Email: r.sarjami@gmail.com Instagram: @rumina_sar ELLA: is a third year Media Arts and Production student at UTS with an unwavering passion for cinema and storytelling. Having worked in various roles in production, she aims to specialise in writing and directing. She’s always dreamed of telling stories to anyone who will listen, and this film is the culmination of her obsession with cinema, her desire to move people in all different ways, and her personal experiences. ‘Wormwood’ is Ella’s directorial short film debut and, alongside Rumina, she has poured her heart and soul into bringing this story to life. Ella aspires to work professionally in film and television. Email: ewalkerdene@gmail.com Instagram: @elwalkerdene

RUMINA & ELLA: met in August of 2024 on the first day of their Director’s Module, and in true creative partnership style, have been writing together ever since. After moving in together at the beginning of 2025, Rumina and Ella began writing the script that would later become ‘Wormwood’ - a combination of each writer's personal experiences, fears and the risks they wanted to take. This film brought together an amazing group of people who helped build this ambitious project, applying their own skills (blood, sweat and tears) to bring ‘Wormwood’ to life. This film is an ode to queer loves past and present and to the fears that have held us back.

HODs

Luke

Is an upcoming cinematographer and Media Arts student who worked as the Director of Photography and Colourist on this project. His role consisted of creatively representing the script through various processes in pre and post production, both in developing shotlists and establishing the thematic tone through the colour grade. Email: Thommo2020@gmail.com Instagram: @thatlukethompson

Lucy

Is a passionate Media Arts and Production & International Studies student with a focus on sound design and directing in creative productions. As a sound designer, they are able to conjure auditory soundscapes to immerse audiences and ensure the integrity of narratives. Email: lucy.brandwood@hotmail.com Instagram: @lucy.fxn

Georgia

Is a filmmaker and photographer who finds joy in both chaos and the creativity of production. With experience across most areas of the industry, she brings organisation, collaboration and heart to every project she works on. Email: georgia04v@gmail.com Instagram: @georgia04v

Tiffany

Is a budding production designer and Media Arts student who is passionate about creative design and visual storytelling. She carefully uses colour, composition and atmosphere to bring ideas to life and improve the audience's experience and understanding. Email: tiff.9987@gmail.com Instagram: @tiff.har

Elijah

Is a Media Arts and Production student with an interest in editing and visual storytelling. Through post production, he is able to craft a compelling use of rhythm and pacing to enhance the film. Email: elijahcoppola04@gmail.com Instagram: @elijahcoppola_

Lead actors

Olivia

Goes by Liv, and is a 26 year old Wollongong and Sydney based actor. Constance was her first experience acting in a horror film - and like any first, the character really stuck with her. Exploring Constance’s journey, trying to stay in control while simultaneously losing her grip, felt like walking a tightrope parallel to her own experience of the world. Liv hopes the audience can find themselves in Constance too. Email: olivia.phillipson14@gmail.com Instagram: @oliviaphillipsonn Management:

Kristine

Is an aspiring Canberra based actor with a passion and multi-dimensional talent for the performing arts. Portraying Sam was a memorable and challenging experience for her, both narratively and for being one of her first official casting roles. She hopes the audience can empathise with Sam the way she did. Email: kristineannecontact@gmail.com Instagram: @kriistineanne Management: Screenwise Australia

Contact

For more information, please contact: r.sarjami@gmail.com or ewalkerdene@gmail.com Instagram: @wormwood.film