University of the Sunshine Coast Creative Industries students will soon get the chance to meet and quiz the filmmakers of a new Australian psychological thriller that has just featured at the Cannes Film Festival.

USC’s Sippy Downs campus will host an open screening of the film, ‘The Fear of Darkness’ on Friday 29 May from 6.30pm-10pm, after it returns from Cannes.

Its Brisbane-based producer Mark Overett and AFI award-winning writer-director Chris Fitchett will attend the event, which will also be open to interested members of the public.

The film tells the story of a brilliant young psychiatrist who is forced to confront her own unconscious when she investigates the supernatural disappearance of a university student.

USC Dramatic Writing course coordinator Dr Paul Williams said students would have the opportunity to have their questions answered directly by filmmakers succeeding in the Australian industry.

“The Q&A session following the screening will enable students to get a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process,” she said.

“It ties in well with USC’s Creative Industries program, which aims to give students real experiences and connections in the professional community.

“It should be a fun night, especially for fans of classic thrillers and suspense.”

The 92-minute film stars Penelope Mitchell (The Vampire Diaries), Maeve Dermody (Griff the Invisible), Christopher Sommers (Predestination), Aaron Pedersen (Mystery Road) and Damien Garvey (Rake).

Gold coin donation screening to be held on USC’s Sippy Downs campus in Lecture Theatre 7 (Building C) at 6.30pm on 29 May. Free parking after 6pm.

Seating is limited. To register attendance or make an inquiry, email Rebecca Belfield-Kennedy.

— Julie Schomberg