History Maker: Harvey Zielinski's 'Sweet Milk Lake' Shortlisted for $100K Prize at CinefestOZ

The Historic Shortlist

In a groundbreaking moment for Australian cinema, West Aussie trans filmmaker Harvey Zielinski has shattered barriers. His feature film Sweet Milk Lake has been shortlisted for the prestigious CinefestOZ film prize, the richest of its kind in the nation. The winner walks away with a staggering $100,000.

According to the details documented in Screenshot (550).png, Zielinski is the first trans writer-director-actor ever shortlisted by the festival. This achievement places him in direct competition with Oscar-winning star Olivia Colman and her upcoming film The Fox.

The shortlist also includes Wilderness, a drama starring Yael Stone from Orange is the New Black, and Yesterday Island, a time-loop comedy written and directed by Sam Voutas. The competition is fierce, but Zielinski's personal story adds an electrifying layer of drama.

'Sweet Milk Lake': A Personal Story

Sweet Milk Lake is a comedy-drama that Zielinski not only wrote and directed but also stars in. The film follows Jake, a young trans man returning to his regional hometown. There, his terminally ill father mistakes him for his cisgender twin brother.

Jake decides to lean into the ruse, setting off a chain of events that explores identity, family, and self-acceptance. “Making Sweet Milk Lake has been such an incredible ride,” Zielinski told The West Australian, as quoted in the source. “I wanted to craft something romantic, funny and moving, exploring masculinity, family and the concessions we make to feel like we belong, from a transmasculine perspective.”

The film co-stars Hunter Page-Lochard (Reckless), Kieran Darcy-Smith (Apple Cider Vinegar), and Ngaire Pigram (Sweet As). It promises to be a raw, heartfelt look at the complexities of gender and belonging.

Why This Matters

Representation in Australian film has long been a talking point. Zielinski's inclusion as a transmasculine storyteller brings a vital new voice to the industry. It also signals that CinefestOZ is evolving to embrace diverse narratives beyond mainstream conventions.

Meet Harvey Zielinski

Zielinski is no stranger to the spotlight. He is a two-time finalist for the prestigious Heath Ledger Scholarship, a career-making award for emerging Australian talent. He is also a series regular on popular TV shows White Fever and Deadloch, demonstrating his range as an actor.

But Sweet Milk Lake represents his most ambitious project yet. As a transmasculine filmmaker from Western Australia, he brings an authentic perspective that is rarely seen on screen. “Being a CinefestOZ prize finalist is an unbelievable honour,” Zielinski said. “It’s especially meaningful to me, given that WA is my home state and my upbringing in the Perth Hills has helped shape this story so significantly.”

His personal connection to the material is palpable. The film is deeply rooted in his own experiences growing up in regional Western Australia, giving it an undeniable emotional weight.

The Competition Heats Up

Zielinski faces stiff competition. Olivia Colman, who won an Academy Award for The Favourite, lends her voice to the darkly comic fantasy The Fox. The film also stars WAAPA graduate Jai Courtney (Dutton Ranch), Emily Browning (One More Shot), and Miranda Otto (Lord of the Rings). Shot in South Australia, it's a major contender.

Wilderness, written and directed by Martin McKenna, is an inspiring drama starring Yael Stone. Meanwhile, Yesterday Island brings a humorous twist with its time-loop premise. Each film brings its own unique flavor to the competition.

• Sweet Milk Lake – Harvey Zielinski (transmasculine perspective, comedy-drama)
• The Fox – Olivia Colman (voice role, dark fantasy)
• Wilderness – Martin McKenna/Yael Stone (drama)
• Yesterday Island – Sam Voutas (time-loop comedy)

What's at Stake

The $100,000 prize is Australia's richest film award of its kind. For an independent filmmaker like Zielinski, winning would be a career-defining moment. It would also send a powerful message about the value of trans stories in mainstream cinema.

CinefestOZ has a history of launching successful careers. Past winners have gone on to secure international distribution and critical acclaim. The festival jury, composed of screen industry experts, will have a tough decision to make.

Zielinski's journey from the Perth Hills to the global stage is inspiring. He represents a new wave of storytellers who refuse to be boxed in by traditional narratives. His film is not just about trans identity—it's about family, forgiveness, and the lies we tell to protect the ones we love.

CinefestOZ Returns

The festival takes place in Western Australia's stunning South West region from August 29 to September 6. This year's edition promises to be the most exciting yet, with a diverse lineup and a record-breaking prize pool.

For Zielinski, this is just the beginning. Regardless of the outcome, his name is now etched in CinefestOZ history. As the first trans writer-director-actor shortlisted, he has already won a battle for visibility. Now, he aims for the grand prize.

All eyes will be on August 29 as the countdown begins. Will Sweet Milk Lake take the crown? One thing is certain: Harvey Zielinski is a talent to watch, and this is his moment.

Disclaimer - All celebrity-related content, information, and images on this website are based on publicly available online sources and AI-generated insights/data. Information such as biography, age, career, personal details, and images may change without notice over time. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or timeliness of any information or imagery displayed on this website. This content is provided for general informational purposes only.