Rock The Boat Film Festival Founder & Director, Renae Hardie Braovich
For the past three years, Rock The Boat has brought together storytellers of all ages and backgrounds — some seasoned filmmakers, some beginning their creative journeys, and others with impactful messages who appreciate this platform to share their stories. Each short film screened has reflected the essence of this festival: stories that challenge, inspire, and connect us.
Impacting people through film and storytelling has been a vision of Founder and Director Renae Hardie Braovich for decades. In 2020, the idea of building a community of storytellers began to take shape, and in 2021, she developed that idea, preparing for a 2022 launch. Her key focus was to offer people from all walks of life, experience and abilities, the opportunity to express themselves through the platform of this short film festival. By doing so, the festival creates space for everyday storytellers, local community members, and emerging filmmakers to join a shared vision for positive change.
Renae believes that one voice can create a ripple of change, but when many voices come together, they can create a powerful wave, one strong enough to challenge the status quo, shift perspectives, and inspire action. Sometimes, that wave might even rock the boat and compel people to sit up and take notice.
Over the past three years, this festival has celebrated storytelling, creativity, and community, welcoming an overwhelming response from people eager to share their stories — stories about people, places, and personal journeys. Many of these films leave us thinking long after the credits roll, resonating deeply as we reflect on the connections they reveal between identity and place.
In the festival’s inaugural year, it was launched with a call to filmmakers to capture their projects, set only in Rockingham, Western Australia. Some may recall the playful G.O.A.T. promo, which caught attention far and wide, setting the tone for an incredible first season. The cinemas were alive with local stories, and it wrapped with an unforgettable Gala Awards night — a true celebration of talent and heart.
Building on that momentum, the festival’s second year expanded beyond Rockingham to include Fremantle and Kwinana, inviting filmmakers to explore these unique locations. Screenings were held across local cinemas and theatres, with all regions coming together in Rockingham for the final Gala Awards night. And they came! It was a powerful night of connection and celebration, proving how much these stories matter to our community.
In early 2024, the City of Rockingham acknowledged Renae as a Nominee in the Australia Day Community Citizen of the Year Awards for her dedication to developing and organising the festival and for its positive impact felt within the community. Humbled by this recognition, Renae continued developing the festival, expanding its reach and enabling even more people to share their voices through the platform.
Thus, in 2024, Rock The Boat Film Festival’s region stretched from, south of the Swan River, and west of the Kwinana Freeway, with Mandurah marking the southern boundary. Yet Rockingham remained the festival’s heart and anchor — a place where filmmakers, audiences, and creatives gathered to celebrate the art of storytelling.
For three years, the festival has celebrated not only the films that have moved us but also the community that has grown through this festival. Gathering each year has forged strong connections amongst the community and filmmakers, bringing new friendships, future collaborators, and relationships that will thrive into the future.
All of the short films screened at Rock The Boat Film Festival have left a lasting impact, reminding us that anyone can tell a meaningful story and that every voice matters. It’s been inspiring to see such a rich diversity of submissions. Each short film or documentary has harnessed the creative spirit and allowed personal expression, which is exactly what this festival aims to celebrate and encourage.
As planning for 2025 has already begun, let us remember: the boat only rocks when someone dares to shake it!
