Wandering

Two young sisters, Maya and Willow, journey through the wilderness in search of their missing mother. Following a worn map marked with a red heart and a promise, they navigate dense trees, unsettling wilderness and the echoes of something unspoken that lingers in the silence.

Maya carries the weight of knowing more than she says, while Willow clings to the hope that their mother is waiting at the beach ahead. Along the way, they encounter strange sounds, subtle threats and the quiet grief that builds between them. But when they finally reach their destination and the truth surfaces, Maya can no longer protect Willow – or herself – from what’s coming.

Director bio:

Lara Busby is a filmmaker whose work explores the emotional weight of what’s left unsaid. During her time at VCA, she has developed a unique voice rooted in poetic visual storytelling and emotional nuance. Her work is shaped by a distinctly female lens and often focuses on youth, drawing from her own lived experiences and exploring the complex, shifting relationships between people as they navigate moments of change and uncertainty. Lara is passionate about experimenting with form and tone, continually seeking new ways to tell stories that reflect the quiet resilience and emotional depth of the human experience.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)