In a world where music is the only safe way to communicate, a young woman learns that betrayal doesn’t sing – it whispers.
Poster by Kara Joubert
The inspiration for thisscript came from two thought fields. Firstly I wanted to write something – ideally, a thriller – which fit in the brief of “unravel”. Secondly, I asked how can sound be used to tell that story?
I wrote the script under both creative and time constraints but thoroughly enjoyed the process. Most of the script was written on a flight from Melbourne to Sydney, and I submitted it once I landed.The next day, I learned it was accepted!
This one-episode audio drama was one of six scripts to be accepted and made for Darebin’s Fuse Festival. I am beyond impressed by everyone’s input in making this world real.
This apocalyptic world is now a favourite of mine, and I hope to do more with it someday.
Unravel is a series of recorded short fiction works written and performed by students or recent graduates from La Trobe University creative and professional writing students, presented as part of the Darebin FUSE Festival Open Access Initiative 2025. Each writer has responded to the theme ‘Unravel’.
Project Lead: Dr Noel Maloney, Carrie Tiffany Director and Editor: Lakshmi Ganapathy Story Editor: Paddy O’Reilly Performances: Natasha Nagle and Thisara Hewmanne World created and written by: Kara Leigh Joubert
The next generation of cinematographers gathered at the University of Lincoln last month to take part in a new course, led by the British Film Institute (BFI). The initiative brought together 30 ambitious 16-to-19-year-olds for an intensive, hands-on week of training.
The course was spearheaded by filmmaker and lecturer Jack Shelbourn, who explained the course’s “learning by doing” approach. He said, “The focus was on listening to professionals and being able to walk away with hands-on skills to bolster [the students’] CV and employability. Each one is now ready to step onto set as either a camera trainee, grip trainee, or trainee spark.”
For many students, the course provided a taste of what their future in filmmaking might look like.
Izzy Kearns, 18, credits the course with their decision to enrol at the University of Lincoln. “I’ve met some really lovely people, and it was a pleasure meeting Jack Shelbourn, who will be my future lecturer in September.”
Jack Shelbourn was supported by Tony Daniels in setting up the course, which included talks, seminars and workshops.
Iona Dorsett, 17, from Leeds Art University, is studying an extended diploma in creative practice at Leeds Art University. She said she enjoyed the course’s professional atmosphere. “It’s a lot more professional because we have people from the industry coming in to speak to us,” she explained.
Sashi T. Kissoon, a director of cinematography who worked as a 2nd unit director on Netflix’s 3 Body Problem hosted talks.
Steve Young and Cody Nichols from the university assisted from a technical perspective and lecturer Chris Greybe joined on the final day to deliver a class on colour grading.
Actors Steve Gillard and Laura Turner offered their talents to allow the students to practice filming and directing.
Dorset’s favourite moment was a party scene they filmed for a short movie. “It was really fun to do that,” she said, adding that she’s now considering a filmmaking foundation year.
Daniel Meikle, 16, recently finished his GCSEs. He came to the course knowing he wanted a career in cinematography. He said, “I’ve learned a lot about how the industry actually works and how different roles on set interact.” His highlight was also making a short film, “It was a lot of fun,” he said, “I think we’re going to edit it soon and it’s going to look really cool and it’s going to win everything. All the Oscars.”
I was recently interviewed by the incredible Michael Hingson, a NYT bestselling author and survivor of the 9/11 attacks. Blind for virtually all of his life, he led people out of the tower with his trusty guide dog, Roselle. He’s a miraculous human being. Not just because of his story, but because of his positive attitude towards life and how he treats others.
In Michael’s podcast, Unstoppable Mindset, I talked about my past with trauma and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), and how I went from a place of fear to fearlessness. The trauma itself is not the focus of the podcast (no doubt, there will be a time for this discussion in the future!). Instead, I focus on PTSD and its impact.
As someone who came from “a hopeless situation”, I believe that nobody is broken beyond repair. And yes, PTSD can go away. It is treatable.
So, why am I sharing this? I have three main reasons:
One – to inspire hope. Hope and faith go hand in hand. It often means believing without seeing. I remember the first time someone else shared their healing journey with me. It was like I could borrow their hope. So, I’m here to offer mine to those who need it.
Two – people don’t understand PTSD. I want to educate people about my experience, aiming to debunk myths around PTSD, including the misconception that it is “incurable”.
Three – I’m doing this for my younger self and those who are still struggling. Sharing my journey isn’t something I take lightly. I still get scared sometimes!
But if I think about that young Kara who was undiagnosed for so many years, she would have loved to hear these words:
Nobody is broken beyond repair.
If you would like to listen to my interview on Unstoppable Mindset, you can find the podcast on Spotify and Apple.
If you need support with PTSD, below are some resources.
* NHS: Call 111 or book a GP appointment. * MIND: Call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk * PTSD UK: online resources to learn more about PTSD.
If you’re feeling distressed, in a state of despair, suicidal or in need of emotional support you can also contact:
* Samaritans: Call 116 123 * Shout: text CONTACT to 85258 for support
After 12-ish weeks of academics, assessments and Australia, the university term is now over. These are my wise-ish takes on my studies here:
Me and a kangaroo… I had to take a selfie. It is Australia, after all.
Accidentally making friends
Friendships take time to develop, but there are a few things that help.
Surprisingly, the social events organised by the residential services team here were fairly anti-social (at least, the students were). Turns out, when students are given free food and a chance to mingle, they opt for the food over the mingling.
For that reason, I would say that my friendships developed more in accidental, organic places. My advice to people studying abroad (or anywhere for that matter) is to find activities you enjoy, and speak to others who also do these activities. You’re bound to find someone you’ll click with. But don’t put too much pressure on yourself – these things will happen in their own time.
Me celebrating my birthday with some amazing friends.
Exploring the local area
Having friends certainly helped with this one (car privileges) but it’s not a requirement. For the first 2-ish months of my studies, I went out by myself. Celebrating academic achievements with a trip to the mall, museum or IMAX cinema was so much fun.
Exploring the Grampians in Victoria (Mackenzie Falls).
It’s impossible to see every sight in one semester, but creating a list is a good first step. Familarising oneself with the transportation lines is also important. In Australia, people have to use a “Myki card” to use public transport, but in comparison to the UK, the prices are very affordable.
Feeling very trendy with my Starbucks.
Studies
My semester consisted of four subjects: using social media, screenwriting, multimedia journalism and making media. Among other things, my tasks included creating a social media strategy, writing a short film script, creating a 1,500 word feature article, and producing a student TV news bulletin.
The making media class together after a successful news bulletin.
From what I’ve seen, it is easier to achieve a grade of 80 here than the UK. But these easier grades are considered when they’re translated back to my UK university. Ten percent is generally deducted from the final score. This deduction can be frustrating when quizzes are part of the academic workload. A 20/20 on a fact-based quiz is hardly subjective!
Presenting a news story (all about frogs).
As for the lessons themselves, lectures were online and tutorials were in person. These were not compulsory but considering I was paying for them, I went to as many as possible*.
*I did skip one to watch the next superman actor – David Corenswet – act in an upcoming movie which was filmed on the campus. That’s another story altogether.
Take every opportunity
Getting out of the comfort zone is a core part of any study abroad experience. It’s an amazing opportunity, which broadens one’s horizons and opportunities.
On The Mongoose film set (if you can’t tell from the grin, I like film sets).
It’s a good idea to keep one ear on the ground – listening for competitions, events, and experiences. In my case, I sought out film sets around Melbourne. This got me invited to two film sets – The Mongoose (Liam Neeson) and Mr. Irrelevant (David Corenswet). Both were being filmed on my campus and I lingered around long enough to eventually be invited (a great technique).
Self care…
Understandably, studying abroad can be quite straining at times. The change in scenery, the distance from family, and the different culture can all be tiring.
It tastes better than it looks. My go-to order: a subway salad (with a bit of everything), meatballs on the side and two cookies (if I feel particularly wild).
So, I opted for some treats including watching some films, ordering a takeaway, and going for a swim (not in that order).
Like most people, I have found that finding comforts in the unknown helps me to adapt to it.
Taking time to reflect
Time flies by when you’re having fun. It also flies by when you’re studying abroad. I can’t believe I’ve already been here for over 4 months!
A fun time in The Lume art exhibition.
Now, I have another 3 weeks before I leave the land down under. After a trip to Sydney in 6 days, hopefully I will have more to reflect on and share…
As a second-year journalism student, this is where my qualification lies. In addition to the below, I have published written work on the student news site The Linc.
This psychological thriller / horror was written in collaboration with Bronwyn Holmes. It is a film graduation project.
This film is still in its post-production stage.
Time Line
This surrealist dramady was written, produced and directed by me. In it, a university student, worried about the unknown, calls the ‘time line’ to speak with the future, only to realise her answers are in the past.
This film is still in its post-production stage.
Petalled Apologies
My first film, based on a short story she wrote. This drama has elements of surrealism, and follows a young man who learns what his poor apologies mean from an unorthodox florist. I wrote, directed and produced this film.
I have studied using social media at La Trobe University, Australia. This has taught me about creating a strategy, social media management, and understanding what makes engaging content.
As a result, I can manage social media on a consultancy, creator, and management level across multiple platforms.
Creating Content For:
The University of Lincoln “a day in the life”
My own platform “Kara Joubert Media”
Short films Petalled Apologies and Time Line
Considering hiring me or collaborating?
Trained in videography.
Understanding on composition, lighting, rule of thirds etc.
Storytelling is a way to understand the world. This pursuit of truth through fiction is what has inspired me to write screenplays. That, and the pure joy of it. It’s a labor of love.
Screenwriting is a great way for visual thinkers to explain their ideas. I enjoy everything about it; from the first rough draft to the courier font.
I write reasonably fast. If I have an idea, I can run with it for hours on end. Often the story will develop itself, and so writing becomes an act of discovery.
Credited as screenwriter:
Genre: Drama/Comedy
Genre: Romance/Drama
Genre: Thriller/Horror
Click here to read previews for my scripts
Considering hiring me or collaborating?
Three short film scripts already made (and counting).
Writing for drama, sci-fi, feel-good, comedy & thriller.
Studied screenwriting through:
Reading scripts.
Talking to screenwriters.
Officially and unofficially enrolling in lectures.
Reading books (Save the Cat, Into the Woods etc).
Making films.
Adapted a short story into a film, Petalled Apologies.
Kara Joubert: Writer, Journalist & Filmmaker 