Screen Fraser Coast has announced its first film industry networking event of 2026, featuring a special screening of Hello Reaper, a short film shortlisted for Tropfest and made right here on the Fraser Coast. The event will be held on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, from 6pm to 8pm AEST at the Hervey Bay Boat Club in Urangan.
Screen Fraser Coast Co-Chair Samantha Gould said the event reflects the organisation’s commitment to championing local talent. “Seeing a locally made film achieve national recognition at Tropfest is incredibly significant for our region,” Gould said. “This event is a wonderful opportunity for the Fraser Coast screen community to come together, celebrate this milestone, and be inspired by what we can achieve locally.”
The evening will bring together local filmmakers, actors, crew members, and screen industry enthusiasts for a night of networking, light catering, and a celebration of homegrown storytelling. Following the screening, director Kevin Friesen and producer Amy Friesen will take part in a Q&A session, offering attendees a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the film was brought to life on Fraser Coast soil.
As both Co-Chair of the organisation and the film’s producer and writer, Amy Friesen highlighted the opportunity for the community to rally behind one of its own. “As a producer on the film, I am thrilled to be speaking at the Q&A to share our behind-the-scenes experiences with the people who make this region so special,” Friesen stated. “Our broader vision at Screen Fraser Coast is to keep nurturing the local screen industry so that even more homegrown stories can reach national screens.”
Hello Reaper follows Jack, who accidentally befriends the granddaughter of the Grim Reaper and is taken on a day of mundane human experiences, all the while facing questions about his own mortality. Directed by Kevin Friesen, produced by Amy Friesen and Stephen Hunter, and written by Amy Friesen, the film’s Tropfest shortlisting is a significant achievement for the region’s growing screen industry.
Director Kevin Friesen reflected on the film’s local roots and national recognition: “Bringing Hello Reaper to life on the Fraser Coast, with our talented community and stunning locations, was a dream come true. To see our story celebrated at Tropfest proves there’s so much creative potential right here on our doorstep, this recognition belongs to all of us.”
Tickets are free for Screen Fraser Coast members and $10 for non-members. Registration is essential, with limited spaces available, and tickets can be secured https://events.humanitix.com/film-industry-networking-event-march-2026
