When twenty Hobart creatives team up to tell a story that’s tender, raw, and deeply relatable, you know it’s going to be something special.
Introducing Dad’s House – a beautifully Tasmanian short film that explores the emotional ripple effects of family separation through the eyes of a young girl named Sadie.
Premiering at The Peacock Theatre on Saturday 19 July, this screening event is more than just a night at the movies – it’s a celebration of local talent and the power of storytelling to spark connection and compassion. Written and directed by Ebony Ten Broeke, the film offers an intimate portrayal of the often-unspoken experiences of children navigating parental separation.
The project was made possible thanks to the generous support of several local organisations. Relationships Australia partnered with Ebony throughout the production process, offering valuable feedback and insight. OI Studios provided gear free of charge, and Tas Casting offered in-kind casting support – a testament to the collaborative spirit of Hobart’s creative community.
We caught up with Ebony to chat about the inspiration behind the film, the magic of filming in Tassie, and what audiences can expect when Dad’s House makes its debut.
Dad’s House – tell us a bit about how it came to be?
“I was inspired to make the film when reflecting on my own experience with divorce. My parents separated a few times throughout my life, the first when I was thirteen and the last was when I was twenty. I was older by then and understood the reasons why, but I still found myself carrying a complicated kind of grief.”
“I realised I had internalised narratives that made me feel like I wasn’t allowed to grieve, messages like “everyone’s parents are divorced, it’s not that bad. I wanted to challenge those narratives and create something that opened conversations around the complexity of separation.”
What role did community play in the success of this short film?
The film was a collaborative effort from the very beginning.
“I met the incredibly skilled, Nina Daos Kadati, on another short film set at a time when I felt ready to write the film, but nervous about not doing it justice. She instilled so much belief in the project and became my producer and assistant director.”
“Marcus Turnbull was our cinematographer – he is exceptionally talented and surpassed my wildest expectations for the visuals, as did Tom Roberts as gaffer and documentary cinematographer. Willem Park was our composer, and his score elevated the film beautifully.”
Image credits: Sam Jackson and Tom Roberts
“Our talented lead actors Emily Cole, Mick Davies and Naomi Baltyn gave such authentic and emotive performances.”
“The team grew to over twenty incredibly gifted and generous local filmmakers and community members who supported the project across various stages of production. I felt so grateful for the thoughtfulness and care that each crew member brought to their roles.”
How long has this project been in the works?
“I first had the idea back in 2023 and I did a lot of pre-research, looking into studies on mental health implications associated with children of divorce.”
Ebony connected with Relationships Australia for a greater understanding of what they’re seeing in the family relationship sector.
By 2024, the script was taking shape – with expert feedback from Relationships Australia – filming began with a team of 18 local creatives. Fast forward to 2025, and the film is polished, poignant, and ready for its big screen moment.
As a writer and director based in Tasmania, what are your hopes for your career and what kinds of stories do you want to keep telling?
“I want to keep telling stories that, in a way, take people home. I think one of the most meaningful and important questions you can ask someone is, “What was home like for you?” or “What was your childhood like?” Early life experiences shape so much of who we are, and I love creating work that encourages people to reflect on those foundational moments.”
“I’m passionate about purpose-driven storytelling – projects that go beyond the screen and have the potential to spark real-world change. I’d love to continue working on films that are impact-focused and foster empathy and understanding.”
Image credits: Sam Jackson and Tom Roberts
What can people expect from the screening night?
The event includes a 15-minute short film and a 12-minute behind-the-scenes documentary, offering deeper insight into the film’s themes.
“By nature, short films don’t always have the space to explore issues in full depth. Dad’s House is intended to be a conversation starter, and from the beginning of the filmmaking process, I felt it was important to create an opportunity for professionals to be part of that conversation.”
“Family separation is incredibly complex and varied, and Dad’s House is one story of millions, but Relationships Australia will be sharing insights that speak to many different family experiences.”
The 6:00pm screening will be followed by a panel discussion with experts from Relationships Australia, who will share practical guidance on how best to support children through family transitions.
Saturday July 19th
6:00pm – Screening + Panel
8:00pm – Standard Screening
Where: The Peacock Theatre, Hobart
Tickets: https://collections.humanitix.com/dads-house-short-film-screening
🎬 Seen the film? Grab the fam and head out for a bite – perfect time for a little post-screening debrief.
Can’t make it to the screening and feeling the FOMO? Don’t worry – Ebony’s made it super easy for you to host your own screening of Dad’s House. Whether it’s in a school, community group, workplace, or just your living room with a few mates, the film is designed to spark meaningful conversations wherever it’s shown.
“I’ve put together a screening guide,” Ebony says. “People just need to head to www.dadshousefilm.com.au/screen-the-film to get started.”
Whether you’ve experienced family separation firsthand or simply love supporting local storytelling, Dad’s House is a film that invites reflection, empathy, and connection.