Frances, a critically acclaimed short film by Illawarra filmmakers Sharon Lewis and Richard Jones, will be screened publicly for the first time on 8 March as part of Nan Tien Temple’s International Women’s Day Charity Meditation Fundraiser. The 40-minute film, which has won multiple awards, highlights the harsh realities of homelessness through the story of a university lecturer grappling with life after divorce, illustrating the growing housing crisis that can affect anyone.
The film’s creator, Sharon Lewis, was inspired to tell the story after speaking with a woman who had experienced homelessness firsthand. Sharon emphasized the importance of making the character relatable, saying, “We wanted people to identify with her as someone they may know, like a sister, a mother, or an aunt.” She hopes the film will raise awareness of the housing affordability crisis and show that homelessness can impact anyone, regardless of their background.
Sharon, who served as both producer and director, expressed gratitude for the film’s success on both a national and international level. Frances recently won several prestigious awards, including Best Australian Film at the Titan International Film Festival 2025, and Best Female Actor for Juliet Scrine, as well as Best Short Indie Film at the 2024 New York Film and Female Actress Awards.
“I was genuinely surprised by the recognition,” Sharon admitted. “I knew the story would resonate with those close to me, but I didn’t expect such widespread recognition. It has been amazing to see how deeply people have connected with Frances’ journey.”
The film, which has been part of various film festivals, will have its first public screening at Nan Tien Temple. Sharon and Women Illawarra general manager Michelle Glasgow met with Rev Neng Zang to finalize the day’s program, which will also include a tai chi and meditation session, a Buddhist blessing ceremony, and the screening of Frances in the temple’s auditorium.
The event is supported by Screen Illawarra and community groups like iBUG and Wild Women of Wollongong, who are contributing to the fundraiser. All proceeds will go directly to Women Illawarra, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting women in the Illawarra region.
This is the third year Nan Tien Temple has hosted its International Women’s Day charity fundraiser, aiming to support a local women’s organization. The creation of Frances was made possible by the generous contributions of cast and crew, who donated their time, as well as locations provided free of charge by the Illawarra Escarpment, the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus, and local Wollongong businesses.
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