John is your average 30-something bloke-

Forgetting to bring the laundry in on a rainy day, grooving to some tunes while whipping up some brekkie, legging it from the shops to make the bus home, dodging calls from his Mum who calls far too often.

A slice of life short film, 'CHOCCY BICCY' is a bittersweet reminder to give your mum a ring... even if she nags you.

Written, Directed and Produced by Japanese-Australian filmmaker Moeko Reilly, this film has evolved in the 3 years since its original creation. Originally presented as a work in progress theatre piece as a part of ASSEMBLY 2021 at La Boite Theatre Company (Written by Moeko Reilly, Directed by Lewis Treston, Performed by Conor Ensor).

Although she toyed with the idea of transporting the story to be shot in Tokyo, Moeko felt that the hot, sweaty and humid Brizzy summer days was a character that was just as important as John or Mum. In a way, the film is a love letter to the city.

Shot entirely in and around Meanjin/Brisbane, the crew is also comprised of Brisbane creatives, and for many of whom 'CHOCCY BICCY' marks as a comeback into the world of film. The film also features songs by Aji, including a brand-new unreleased track for the film specifically.

Join us for a preview screening of independent short film 'CHOCCY BICCY', followed by a Q&A/relaxed panel with its cast and creatives. We'll be chatting about the hilarious and tough moments that happened behind the scenes. Moeko will also be sharing about her experience working on international productions in the Japanese film industry for the past two years.

The producers would like to acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this film was shot, and also where this screening takes place. We would like to pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Order of Events

Doors open: 7:15PM

Screening starts: 7:30PM

Q&A session: 7:50PM

Discussion Facilitator

Didi Leslie (Producer/Assistant Director)

A Brisbane based gal who returns to her creative roots as the Producer and Assistant Director of ‘CHOCCY BICCY’. Didi worked as an actor, model and in film crews for a number of years in her early 20s but has since been hiding away from the world and focusing on her postgraduate studies. She is very thrilled to have been involved in such a fantastic short film with an incredible cast and crew.

Panel Speakers

Moeko Reilly (Director)
Moeko is a Japanese-Australian filmmaker currently based in Tokyo. Originally from a theatre and linguistics background, she now dabbles in multiple mediums, with a particular focus on the human condition. ‘CHOCCY BICCY’ is her debut work not only as a film director but also as a film writer and producer.

Mieka Thorogood (Director of Photography)
Mieka is a Brisbane-based sometimes writer, sometimes director and most times jack of all trades. She is passionate about complex stories that hide their true emotional elements behind humour and whimsy. ‘CHOCCY BICCY’ provided exactly this and offered an opportunity to try a new trade, director of photography.

Aji (Music Producer)

Emerging from a passion for blog-era indie, 70s-style songwriting, and experimental production, Aji is the studio project of Brisbane-based songwriter and producer Tom Briese. In 2023, Briese released his debut EP 'In Spring,' drawing inspiration from chamber-pop and jazz fusion. 'CHOCCY BICCY' showcases Briese's original compositions and marks his debut in the world of writing to picture with the song ‘Can’t Sleep’.

Will Pyke (Actor)

William is a Brisbane-based actor who trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. He recently completed a Juris Doctor at the University of Sydney while also Directing, producing and performing in a global theatre production, "The Hunt". In ‘CHOCCY BICCY’, he stars as the lead role, John. He is passionate about working with local, talented and dedicated creatives.

Follow our film online at Instagram!

Support our film at our GoFundMe!

This event is hosted and supported by the School of Languages and Cultures, The University of Queensland.

Graphic Design Credit: Easy Does It Kid