Screenplay

Escape from the Commodore 64

Written by David Hearne, Belinda Missen

AFIN 2023 Finalist

  • 2023
  • 99pp
  • Australia
  • English
  • Sci-fi
  • Virtual Reality
  • Metaverse
Australian
View My AFIN →

Wrote this screenplay? Let us know to add or correct the credits or details. Writer sign-in opens with the claim email at Awards Night, 19 September 2026.

Synopsis

Growing up in the 80s is a chore for Sarah, who feels misunderstood by her parents and badgered by Rhys, her bothersome brother who incessantly prattles on about his treasured computer games.

When Rhys tells her one of the games tried to pull him inside the computer, she laughs off his fanciful fib. As if such a thing could happen! She waggles the joystick to disprove his fairytale and her smile dissolves as she is pulled into the computer.

Sarah’s previous concerns are dwarfed by the ones she finds in this new virtual hell. Now trapped in games she’d never had any interest in playing, how can she possibly beat them?

With the help of feisty Nell, another trapped player, can Sarah find her way back home or is it game over? An evil madman, a hostile planet, bloodthirsty robots, a never-ending throng of karate experts and relentless digital soldiers will do their best to ensure Sarah never escapes.

What makes this one special

  • David Hearne has been here beforeAlso in the 2020 programme
  • 4 awards at other festivalsBeyond Border International Film Festival · Gold Coast Film Festival · Indo Singapore International Film Festival and 1 more
  • Programmed at 6 other festivals

Also selected at

4 awards, 1 finalist placing, 1 official selection across 6 other festivals

  1. WinnerBeyond Border International Film FestivalWinner, Best Screenplay · India · 2023
  2. WinnerGold Coast Film FestivalWinner, Queensland Screenwriting Award Winner · 2023
  3. WinnerIndo Singapore International Film FestivalWinner, Best Screenplay · 2023
  4. WinnerNavy international Film FestivalWinner, BEST FEATURE SCRIPT SCREENPLAY · Pinang · 2023
  5. FinalistBrisbane Indie Film FestivalSemi Finalist, Best Screenplay · 2023
  6. SelectionLos Angeles International Screenplay AwardsOfficial Selection, Best Screenplay · 2022

Recorded by the filmmaker on their entry.

Placings

Recognised in this category at AFIN 2023, as announced that season.

  • Best Feature Screenplay Finalist

AFIN 2026

The festival opens in 4 days

Screening 1 at Dendy Cinemas Portside, Brisbane

navigate · Enter open · Esc close