Bingo Man

Synopsis

In the tranquil Australian hinterland town of Pomona, young Kellie Handly, a nine-year-old with a vivid imagination, navigates her days with the companionship of her imaginary friend, Bingo Man. The picturesque backdrop of dawn breaking and blooming spring flowers sets a stark contrast to the dark undertones of the story.

Kellie's mother, Donna, and her Aunty, Alice, are deeply troubled by recent events. Two young girls have gone missing, one of whom was in Kellie's class. As Donna prepares to leave for a trip, she expresses her fears about Kellie's safety, but Alice reassures her, offering to take care of Kellie during her absence. In a moment of frustration, Donna scolds Kellie for breaking a cookie jar, but Kellie blames Bingo Man. The family's concern for Kellie deepens, as Donna reveals that Kellie's therapist believes Bingo Man represents a father figure, a stark contrast to her real father who is in prison.

At school, Principal Gwen Alberts takes responsibility for Kellie's safety, as a car breakdown means Alice can't get to the school before 3.45pm. Then a brief distraction during a schoolyard scuffle results in Kellie wandering off on her own. As the search for Kellie begins, Alice arrives at the school, only to discover her niece is missing.

Guided by Bingo Man, Kellie befriends a younger girl named Cindy and convinces her to embark on an adventure to the old Mill. Despite Cindy's initial hesitation, Kellie reassures her with Bingo Man's promises of safety. The two girls explore the abandoned mill, but as the sun sets, an eerie sense of danger looms.

In the next terrifying sequence as Kellie returns home, she encounters a shadowy figure in the bush. Franticly she runs for her life, calling out to Bingo Man for help. During the chase the tension reaches its peak as the unknown pursuer closes in on Kellie and seizes her.

The next day, the town is in turmoil as news of a third missing girl spreads. Donna returns home, devastated by the unfolding events, while Alice grapples with guilt over losing Kellie. The police intensify their search, combing through the town and surrounding areas.

As the investigation progresses, the police find significant evidence at the old Mill, heightening the sense of mystery and danger. The town grapples with the fear and uncertainty brought on by the disappearances, and the bond between Kellie and her imaginary friend, Bingo Man, remains an enigmatic and central element to the chilling finale.

Director's Biography

Chris Beadnell Director

Chris Beadnell is a filmmaker hailing from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, on Gubbi Gubbi country. With a decade of experience in scriptwriting, Chris has garnered numerous awards and accolades for his compelling screenplays. A turning point in his career was witnessing his script Cliff's Edge being produced as a short film. This experience ignited his passion for directing, leading him to undertake formal training and workshopping to direct his first short film, The Note. This debut film and its script achieved great success, winning multiple awards worldwide, including Best Screenplay at the 2024 International Film Festival of Australia and Best Male Director at the Power 24 Film Festival in South Africa. Chris recently produced and directed Bingo Man short film. Chris's work is characterized by a strong humanist philosophy, deeply influenced by his years as a paramedic. This background allows him to explore the beauty, tragedy, and irony of life through his films. He collaborates openly with actors and crew, sharing his cinematic vision while challenging them to bring their best to each role. His screenplays have been recognized at multiple international festivals and competitions, and he continues to develop new work across many aspects of filmmaking. He has directed short films and episodes of the series Blue Rockpools. He is active in the local film community, mentoring emerging creatives and supporting collaborative development across writing, directing, and production.