AWAKENED
FILM PREMIERE
IMAGE: HARRIET SPARK
WHEN: Sunday 22 March 2026 | 1-2pm
WHERE: Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Sydney
The film 'Awakened' addresses the connection between humans and nature and how we can make positive steps in the right direction. It follows Elijah Attard's story as a chef and the journey of understanding nature around him through produce and more importantly - his love of foraging. Foraging was a skill he acquired within restaurants and applies that to his dishes to showcase the hyper seasonal ingredients Australia has to offer.
Over time nature, in particularly - the ocean, began to present important questions, showing Elijah the negative transformations happening before his very eyes. Awakened reveals to us how developing an understanding of our environment transforms the way we cook, eat and ultimately, how we connect with one another.
WHAT TO EXPECT
How does understanding our environment and local coastlines help us connect with and better understand one another? How can our food system be produced sustainably?
Guided by chef and forager Elijah Attard, the short film explores his personal story of growth and the process of searching and respectfully harvesting ingredients from the wild—from kelp lifted by the tides on Sydney’s Coastlines, to forest greens emerging from the undergrowth.
The Film will run for approximately 10-15 minutes with a 30 minute Q&A to follow.
Awakened also features a debut OST release of the track 'Wake Up, My Friend' produced specifically for the film.
Speakers: Elijah Attard & Liam Allen
Elijah is a chef of 15 years, having worked primarily in NSW at venues like Caveau, Yellow and The Emerald Room. He is known for his plant based fine dining experiences that highlight wild foraged and native ingredients representing Australian produce at its finest.
Liam is a Sydney based Director, Cinematographer and Photographer, with over 6 years of experience creating documentaries, short films, and visual narratives that explore people, culture, and the environment. His passion lies in crafting immersive cinematic stories that connect audiences to the world around them.
