Tales from Outer Suburbia selected for CinefestOZ

Flying Bark Productions and Highly Spirited are thrilled to share that Tales from Outer Suburbia, our upcoming ABC Original animated series based on Shaun Tan’s acclaimed illustrated anthology book, has been officially selected for a special preview screening at CinefestOZ 2025.

Held in the stunning Margaret River wine region from 30 August to 7 September, CinefestOZ is one of Australia’s most beloved film festivals, celebrating the power of homegrown stories on screen. As part of the 2025 program, Tales from Outer Suburbia will screen two episodes — Distant Rain and Eric — offering festivalgoers an early glimpse at the whimsical, poetic, and emotionally rich world of Tan’s award-winning short stories, reimagined as a stunning “digitally handmade” animation.

Produced by Flying Bark and Highly Spirited in association with Siamese, the series blends magic realism, mystery and wonder, capturing the surreal beauty of everyday life in suburban Australia.

Producers Sophie Byrne (Highly Spirited) and Alexia Gates Foale (Flying Bark Productions) stated: 

“We’re honoured to be included in the 2025 CinefestOZ program. This is a particularly meaningful moment for the series, as Shaun Tan’s stories are deeply rooted in the landscapes, streets and quiet magic of Perth’s outer suburbs where he grew up. To share this series with the families of Western Australia is incredibly special. We have no doubt that attendees will instantly recognise the nostalgic suburban world we’ve brought to life on screen.”

Tickets to the Tales from Outer Suburbia preview screenings are now available via CinefestOZ.

Tales from Outer Suburbia is a Highly Spirited and Flying Bark Productions production for the ABC and BYUtv. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation in association with the ABC and BYUtv. Produced in New South Wales and Western Australia with Siamese and financed with support from Screenwest. International sales by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Adapted from Shaun Tan's multi-award-winning book Tales from Outer Suburbia. Directed by Noel Cleary. Creative Director: Shaun Tan. Producers: Sophie Byrne and Alexia Gates-Foale. Co-producer: Francesca Hope. Executive Producers: Barbara Stephen, Bernadette O’Mahony, Andra Johnson Duke, Francesca Hope, Jeff Simpson, Julia Adams, Karen Vermeulen, Libbie Doherty.