A powerful new Australian film exploring resilience, survival and the courage to rebuild will premiere in the Illawarra this month, with the community invited to a special fundraising screening in support of the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre.
An exclusive early preview of Life Could Be a Dream will screen at Gala Cinema Warrawong on Wednesday, March 25 at 7pm, presented in partnership with Screen Illawarra.
The event will serve as a community fundraiser, with a percentage of all ticket sales donated to the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, helping support women and families recovering from trauma and domestic violence.
Distributed by Maslow Entertainment, the film will be released nationally in May 2026.
The film marks the feature debut of award-winning Australian filmmaker Jasmin Tarasin and stars Maeve Dermody alongside Alexander England, with Sonny McGee in a breakthrough role. The screenplay is written by acclaimed author Courtney Collins.
Described as a fractured fairytale of resilience and grace, Life Could Be a Dream follows Sarah, a forty-year-old woman standing at the threshold of a life she’s never lived. As she and her teenage son Otis navigate their way toward freedom, they confront both external threats and long-held beliefs about rescue and relationships.
Finding temporary sanctuary in a luxurious mansion she’s been tasked with selling, Sarah begins to imagine a future defined by choice rather than fear. At its heart, the film explores the fierce and fragile bond between mother and son as they attempt to break cycles and redefine love on their own terms.
“My hope is that this film serves as a beacon, showing that liberation is possible — one woman and her son finding their way toward a future defined by choice rather than fear,” said director Jasmin Tarasin.
The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre provides trauma-informed support to help women recover, rebuild and move forward after domestic, family and sexual violence.
The Centre’s CEO, Elise Phillips, said the screening is a meaningful opportunity for the community to support women rebuilding their lives after violence and trauma.
“Every woman deserves the chance to recover, rebuild and live free from violence. Events like this not only raise vital funds for our services but also help spark important conversations about recovery, resilience and hope,” Phillips said.
Following the screening, audiences are invited to stay for a live Q&A hosted by Screen Illawarra with director Jasmin Tarasin, actor Sonny McGee, writer Courtney Collins, producer Catherine Church, casting director Anousha Zarkesh and drama coach Jane Fullerton-Smith.
Tickets for the fundraiser screening are available here.
Life Could Be a Dream will be held at the Gala Cinema Warrawong on Wednesday, March 25, at 7pm.