Screen Illawarra Presents - VIP Early Preview Life Could Be a Dream

EARLY PREVIEW SCREENING ANNOUNCED

LIFE COULD BE A DREAM

Fundraiser for Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre

Wednesday 25 March | 7:00PM | Gala Cinema Warrawong

An exclusive early preview of LIFE COULD BE A DREAM will screen at Gala Cinema Warrawong on Wednesday 25 March at 7:00PM, presented in partnership with Screen Illawarra.

The event will serve as a community fundraiser for the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, with a percentage of all ticket sales donated to support women and families recovering from trauma and domestic violence.

Distributed by Maslow Entertainment, the film will be released nationally on May 14th 2026.

ABOUT THE FILM

The feature film debut from award-winning Australian filmmaker Jasmin Tarasin, LIFE COULD BE A DREAM stars Maeve Dermody in a quietly devastating and luminous performance alongside Alexander England, and introduces Sonny McGee in a breakthrough role. The screenplay is written by acclaimed author Courtney Collins (The Burial, Bird).

Described as a fractured fairytale of resilience and grace, the film follows Sarah, a forty-year-old woman standing at the threshold of a life she’s never lived. As she and her teenage son Otis navigate their way toward freedom, they confront both external threats and the mythology Sarah has long held about rescue and relationships.

Finding temporary sanctuary in a luxurious mansion she’s been tasked with selling, Sarah begins to imagine a future defined by choice rather than fear. At its heart, the film explores the fierce and fragile bond between mother and son as they attempt to break cycles and redefine love on their own terms.

“My hope is that this film serves as a beacon, showing that liberation is possible — one woman and her son finding their way toward a future defined by choice rather than fear,” says director Jasmin Tarasin.

SPECIAL Q&A – MARCH 25

Following the screening, audiences will be invited to stay for a live Q&A with:

• Nick Bolton from Screen Illawarra – MC

• Jasmin Tarasin – Director / Producer

• Sonny McGee – Lead Actor

• Courtney Collins – Writer

• Catherine Church – Producer

• Anousha Zarkesh – Casting Director

• Jane Fullerton-Smith – Drama and Script Consultant

• Noam Sen-Gupta- Actor

This conversation will explore the film’s themes of resilience, financial safety, and rewriting relationship narratives, alongside insights into the creative process behind this powerful debut feature.

PRODUCTION & PARTNERSHIPS

LIFE COULD BE A DREAM is produced and directed by Jasmin Tarasin, with production by Pure Pictures and Goodchat, in association with Minderoo Pictures and Snow Foundation.

The film is proudly supported by Commonwealth Bank through CommBank Next Chapter, an initiative helping Australians experiencing financial abuse regain control of their finances, rebuild confidence and take steps toward long-term independence.

Director of Photography is US-based Australian Meg White (While the Men Are Away, Ten Pound Poms).
The film features an original score by Dan Luscombe, with music by internationally acclaimed pianist Hania Rani and Australian duo Time for Dreams.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

LIFE COULD BE A DREAM has already received international acclaim:

• Best Female Director (International Features) — Montreal Independent Film Festival

• Best Cinematography (Feature under $5M) — Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) Awards

• ReFrame Stamp — Sundance Institute for outstanding female-led production and gender equity in filmmaking

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Wednesday 25 March
Time: 7:00PM
Venue: Gala Cinema, Warrawong
Partner: Screen Illawarra
Beneficiary: Illawarra Women’s Trauma and Recovery Centre