Panthering 101

In 1952, a circus burned down in the coastal town of Apollo Bay, leading to the release of black panthers into the Great Otway National Park. In the years since, groups along Victoria’s Surf Coast have sought to prove the existence of these panthers – a goldmine for Cryptid Nation, a YouTube channel that documents and ridicules conspiracy theorists across Australia.

As the Cryptid Nation presenters venture to the Otways for their latest exposé, however, they begin to pity and even grow fond of the odd bunch of panther hunters they’re seeking to lampoon. And when they accidentally capture footage of a panther on one of their trail cameras, the YouTubers are faced with a suddenly very real ethical quandary: what will happen to this group of social outcasts if they release the footage? And, if they do, will they be able to live with the consequences of their actions?

Warning: Contains coarse language

Director bio:

Gus Simpfendorfer is a filmmaker from Melbourne, Australia, currently studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television) at the Victorian College of the Arts. Originally born in Perth before moving with family to Melbourne, Gus has a passion for telling unique Australian stories. In his personal life, Gus enjoys playing sport, camping and the outdoors, with the natural environment being a common theme in his work. As a director, Gus enjoys working in a highly collaborative way with his cast and crew and experimenting with various improvisation techniques. His latest works enter into the comedy genre, and aim to highlight the kookiness and charm of Australian humour.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)