Micro Short AFIN 366
Marbles
Directed by 
Simona Varga, Owen Smith
AFIN 2026 Winner
- 2026
- 8m
-
Australia - English
- M
- Drama
Stills
3 frames 
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Credits
Written by
Produced by
Cinematography
Editing
Production Company
- Short Stack Productions
Synopsis
Marbles follows Sophie a 25-year-old lawyer whose life is upended when her father is diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and parkinsonism, and has a fall. Forced to step into the demanding role of full time carer, Sophie must navigate not only her demanding job, a failing public health system, but also the emotional toll of watching the man who raised her slowly fade away. When given the choice between aged care or bringing him home, she chooses the latter, driven by a complex mix of love and duty. Through a series of tender and turbulent moments, the film explores the fragility of family, love, and identity. As Sophie’s world becomes consumed, she learns that caring for her father is both her greatest burden and her deepest act of love. Once he cared for her, and now the roles are reversed. Raw and intimate, Marbles sits at the intersection of a deeply human story about memory, redemption, grief and quiet strength.
On the nomination
Incredibly proud of Luke receiving this nomination. He is wonderfully talented and incredibly dedicated. It was an honour to work with him and an absolute delight to see him recognised for this role, especially one so special to me.
Directors' Statement
Marbles came from a place I didn’t really plan to explore publicly. It started as something more private, almost like journaling. A way of processing what it means to care for someone you love as they slowly change, and how that quietly reshapes your own life in the process. In many ways, making this film felt therapeutic. Like how an artist puts their trauma into a painting and trying to make sense of it. At its core, the film is about that role reversal between parent and child, and the strange, painful, sometimes even absurd moments that come with it. I wasn’t interested in dramatising it too heavily, and I wanted audiences to be transplanted into the thick of it, rather than a 'beginning' and an 'end'. I wanted it to feel real, intimate, and honest. The kind of moments that often go unseen but sit with you long after. Visually and tonally, we kept everything grounded and restrained to reflect that internal experience. It’s less about big plot points and more about emotional truth. I think Marbles connects because it taps into something a lot of people are quietly going through, whether it’s caregiving, grief, or the fear of losing someone piece by piece. It’s a small story, but one that carries a lot of weight. Thank you for considering it.
What makes this one special
- Nominated in 3 AFIN categoriesBest Australian Micro Short Film · Best Director · Best Australian Supporting Performance
- A first-time filmmaker
From the Judges
From the Judges
A story of caregiving and shifting family roles, told in small everyday moments that feel lived-in rather than heightened. The panel responded to the restraint in the direction, which keeps the focus on intimate scenes and lets the relationships carry the weight, and to performances that are natural and understated throughout. Warm, grounded work about love and responsibility, put together with real care.
Festival note
Luke O’NeillBest Australian Supporting Performance
Luke O’Neill approached an emotionally challenging role with a clear passion for authenticity, and as a veteran actor his experience was on display.
Directors' Biography
Simona Varga Owen Smith Directors
Simona Varga is an Australian-Romanian filmmaker and actress based in Queensland. With a lifelong passion for storytelling and film, she has trained extensively in voice and screen acting, working closely with experienced acting coaches and casting directors. Having gained hands-on experience across multiple roles, including Director, Assistant Director, and Producer on various short films, Simona marks her official directorial debut with Marbles, co-directed alongside Owen Smith of Short Stack Productions. Together, they bring a bold and collaborative vision to the project, showcasing their commitment to cinematic storytelling.
Official laurels
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Verified by AFIN Nominee · Best Australian Micro Short Film Download laurel Download certificate -
Verified by AFIN Nominee · Best Director Download laurel Download certificate -
Verified by AFIN Nominee · Best Australian Supporting Performance Download laurel Certificate: Luke O'Neill -
Verified by AFIN Winner · Best Australian Lead Performance Download laurel Certificate: Simona Varga
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Marbles was Winner of Best Australian Lead Performance and a Nominee for Best Australian Micro Short Film, Best Director and Best Australian Supporting Performance at the AFIN International Film Festival 2026, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
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