PLAYING IN THE SHADOWS  | DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT  |   SASCHA ETTINGER EPSTEIN  |  MARCO IANNIELLO  |  SCREENINGS /REVIEWS

THE KIDS 

These are just some of the characters and the stories which come to life against the dramatic backdrop of Woolloomooloo with all its natural beauty and social problems.     JAIDYN Cheeky little blonde-haired, blue-eyed Jaidyn, 11, has prided himself on being a menace around the Woolloomooloo neighbourhood since prepubescence. Bright and energetic but out of control, he is perpetually roaming the streets on his scooter or skateboard, climbing fences, smashing windows and looking for action. But his extroverted nature masks some deep troubles which could derail his future. He lives in a housing commission home with his Marilyn Monroe-obsessed mother, Norma, and aspires to be an actor.   CELINE Nine year old Celine can't even remember how many sisters and brothers she has - family life is a bit chaotic. She lives with 3 siblings and her dad in a big house in central Forbes street, with her own room on the very top floor. Her mum died on her 6th birthday but she dotes on her father. She enjoys the run of the neighbourhood on her scooter or her bike and has a particularly unique perspective on her little universe of Woolloomooloo, which she calls 'my world, my place, my town'.        JERRY Jerry, 18, is the neighbourhood giant. At 6ft 2, 105kgs he towers above his peers and sometimes finds it hard to fit in. His large Turkish family consisting of 3 brothers, aunties, uncles and grandparents all live close together in the neighbourhood. As he was badly burnt at the tender age of 18 months, Jerry can't work and receives a disability pension. But he loves cooking and strives to fulfill his dream of becoming a chef by running cooking classes for the young kids down at the local youth centre. Unfortunately not many of the kids show up or take him seriously but he pursues his passion nonetheless. He often bears the brunt of jokes because of his disability and unusual appearance.       AINSLEY Tall, strapping and built like an athlete, Ainsley has a presence far beyond his 15 years. Though he may look like one of the local thugs, he considers himself a cut above. Articulate and studious, he is dedicated both to academic achievement and sporting success. His values and beliefs, taught by his father whom he admires deeply, belie his tender age. Even though he lives in housing commission like every one else, Ainsley sees far brighter destinations in his future. He loves the neighbourhood, but is determined not to let it bring him down.             COACH BASSI Coach Bassi is new to the neighbourhood, but excited to have been hired to lead the newly formed Woolloomoolloo Allstars. He is combining his extensive experience working with difficult kids and his sporting skills from his days as a professional basketball player for the Comets and it's a near perfect combination. Having experienced similar disadvantage in his childhood, he relates to his flock and will do whatever it takes to coach these kids to victory over their neighbourhood rivals, Redfern.