The Canberra Short Film Festival continues until 20 November with screenings at Smith’s Alternative and Dendy Cinemas.

Returning for its 27th year, the festival showcases the dynamic power of storytelling with films running no more than 20 minutes. More than 600 films were submitted this year, with 215 films from 21 countries making the final cut.

Telling stories of masculinity, mental health, politics, First Nations stories, and more, the films are curated into like themes and shown together on different nights.

Find the full program at csff.com.au

Pineapples, trolls and far-out tunes

The wonderful world of youth imagination takes us to a new society born from a secret deal with an online troll in Age of the Pinedemic – The Musical, at Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 18-19 November.

Society crumbles after the pineapple virus spreads. Left alone with no other choice but to seek help on the dark web, the children strike a deal. Gifted with everlasting life, they struggle in their new roles as leaders of the new world, haunted by memories from life before. The children work together to discover the truth and try to overcome the looming troll; can they succeed?

Written and created by 14 children aged 7-13 in response to conversations on how the past few years have been for them, their ideas were transformed with music and song structure, helped by Tim and Nathalie Bevitt. The fun and quirky original musical allows youth voices to be heard. 

Tickets: tuggeranongarts.com

New paint makes a splash

The beloved Lake Burley Griffin paddle boats have received a colourful and bright makeover that celebrates Canberra’s rich culture, history, and connection to country.

Skins of 10 of the boats have been designed by the cultural institutions around town, such as the National Museum, National Library, and the Mint, offered on first come, first served basis by the National Capital Authority. The remaining two paddle boats designs have been created by First Nations artists representing Ngunnawal and Ngambri land, and will be launched with smoking ceremonies.

The floating billboards are a fun way to draw attention to the cultural icons in our midst and encourage people through their doors. Be sure to wear water-safe shoes or ditch them completely and pedal the water bikes with bare feet.

Capital Paddle paddle boats can be hired without bookings 9.30am-5.30pm weekends and seven days during school holidays, depending on the weather; capitalpaddle.com.au