Two escaped convicts seek refuge in a hostile colonial town, where a single night of mercy, sacrifice, and hard-won solidarity will determine who is allowed a second chance.
To watch this, and all other films of our 2026 selection for FREE online, just send us a blank e-mail to register@history-filmfestival.com and automatically receive this year’s code. Availible from 1st to 7th of October 2026. For more details see Take Part.
Director Biography – Sade Goldsmith
“The Bolters” is the directorial debut for Sade Goldsmith, an actress from the Gold Coast of Maori heritage. Sade was mentored by acclaimed New Zealand actor Temeura Morrison.
Director Statement
“The Bolters” is a tense, intimate story about survival, loyalty and the fragile kindness of strangers, set against the unforgiving landscape of early colonial Australia. Drawn to its stark themes and visual potential, I wanted to create a film that balances urgency with moments of stillness, using harsh moonlight and candlelight to mirror the moral and physical extremes the characters face. Ultimately, the film explores how far people will go for one another when freedom is fleeting and the cost of survival may be death itself.
Trailer
| Sade Goldsmith Director Riley Jack Thompson Writer, Producer James Munn Key Cast “James” The Mark Riley Jack Thompson Key Cast “Thomas” Lloyd Johnson Key Cast “Mr Roberts” Christopher Raymond Smith Key Cast “Officer Williams” Aisha Wighton Key Cast Grandad’s Chair Entertainment Production Company |
