By Cameron Joseph Walker
An ambitious 17-minute single-take comedy filmed in Samford Village brings together more than 75 Queensland creatives in one of the region’s most technically demanding independent productions.
Independent Australian short film Gorilla, Guerrilla has officially entered post-production following the completion of principal photography in Samford Village, Queensland. The film was written and directed by Luca Thomas under the creative label Picture Arcadia, and produced by QUT BFA Acting alumni Cameron Joseph Walker through @ShortWalkStudios. Gorilla, Guerrilla is targeting a 2027 international festival campaign, spanning Australia, the United Kingdom and North America.
A sharp meta-commentary on desperation, purpose, and the extraordinary lengths people will go to in the name of filmmaking, Gorilla, Guerrilla is a coke-fueled satire set during 1968, in the heart of the Peruvian rainforest. Inspired by shows such as The Studio (Apple TV), the film explores the absurd seriousness with which even the most ridiculous creative endeavours are pursued, while keeping one important mystery firmly under wraps: exactly how a live gorilla becomes entangled with a group of paranoid Hollywood filmmakers.
What sets Gorilla, Guerrilla apart is its remarkable execution. The entire 17-minute film unfolds in a single uninterrupted take—the result of months of rehearsal, complex camera choreography, and meticulous coordination. Filmed over two shooting days across 10 unbroken attempts, the production required hundreds of period props and costumes, intricate performer movement, and seamless collaboration between every department.
Director Luca Thomas has quickly established a distinctive creative voice that combines a love of classic cinema with bold experimentation and unpredictable contemporary humour—described by collaborators as “Wes Anderson with ADHD”. His partnership with actor/producer Cameron Joseph Walker continues a growing creative collaboration, two emerging Brisbane creatives united by a shared ambition to create independent films that challenge expectations of scale, genre and technical ambition.
While Thomas is driven by imaginative worlds and unconventional characters, Walker focuses on transforming ambitious concepts into practical productions through creative development, logistical planning, and collaborative filmmaking. Together, they hope to demonstrate what can be achieved by Queensland’s emerging screen community through passion, preparation and collective effort.
“Gorilla, Guerrilla asks audiences to have fun first,” said Thomas. “Independent cinema doesn’t have to choose between saying something meaningful and being wildly entertaining. We wanted to create something impossible to ignore—something audiences would still be talking about after the credits rolled.”
Walker added, “Queensland is full of extraordinary young filmmakers, but many are still waiting for opportunities that never seem to arrive. This film is proof that, with enough collaboration and determination, ambitious work can still be made outside exclusive pathways. We hope Gorilla, Guerrilla reflects the energy and creativity of Australia’s next filmmakers.”
The production united a volunteer crew of 26, alongside a supporting ensemble of more than 50 background performers, bringing together recent film graduates from QUT, Griffith University, UQ and SAE, alongside experienced independent filmmakers from across South East Queensland.
The film stars Jamie Delmonte, Cameron Joseph Walker, Sebastian Wells Chavez (SceneItDigital), Derito Da Costa, Natalie Doolette, and Dubu Linggi.
Behind the camera, Director of Photography Harry Abbott led the film’s ambitious visual approach, drawing on experience that includes camera trainee work on The Mosquito Bowl and recognition as Best Short Director at the 2026 Melbourne Ciniverse Awards. First Assistant Director Kate Sparrow coordinated the production’s extensive logistics, following credits including The Magical Land of Oz and Bloodbag. The creative team also featured costume designer Sally Osterberg, production designer Hayley Spring, makeup designer Jade Sophia, an original score composed by Joel Dow (J. Jericho), and sound design by Olivia Cruice.
The film debuts with a mid-September private screening at Palace Cinemas, James Street, before beginning its 2027 international festival campaign. For audiences eager to catch an early glimpse, the film’s first teaser trailer is available now.
