Locky Boaretto: The Rising Visionary of Independent Australian Cinema

At just 21 years old, Locky Boaretto is carving out a distinctive name for himself as one of Australia’s most promising young voices in independent film. A multi-award-winning filmmaker and creative storyteller, Boaretto’s journey from the stage to the screen has been marked by passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the craft of storytelling.

Boaretto began his artistic journey in the vibrant world of musical theatre production at Altona City Theatre in Melbourne. There, he immersed himself in acting, filming, editing, and DVD production—a foundational experience that sharpened his skills and ignited his cinematic vision. Collaborating with Bayside P–12 College (Paisley Campus), Boaretto produced and edited three feature-length live performance films: Cluedo: The Musical (May 2022), Robin Hood: A Musical (August 2023), and The Odyssey Musical (August 2024). The latter went on to win the prestigious Performing Arts Award at the 2025 Bangkok Movie Awards, a testament to his team’s creative ambition and execution.

In October 2023, Boaretto took a bold leap forward, premiering his debut independent feature, The Jumping at Shadows Saga, at Reading Cinemas, Millers Junction. The premiere was a significant milestone, showcasing his capacity to write, direct, and produce on a cinematic scale.

Included in this premiere was the film Shadows of the Past, a genre-bending short sci-fi film in which he also starred. The film quickly caught international attention, garnering an impressive seven awards from global festivals. Among the accolades were Best Sci-Fi Film at the RedWood Film Festival, Best Direction at Wildsound Festival, and Best Short Film at the International Film Talent Awards. The film’s haunting aesthetic and layered narrative also earned it recognition at the Bangkok Society of Film Critics’ Award, underscoring Boaretto’s talent for merging emotional depth with high-concept storytelling.

In addition to his directorial ventures, Boaretto gained valuable industry exposure as an extra on the Netflix series Clickbait (2020), an experience that fueled his drive to pursue screen storytelling on a professional level.

Operating under his creative brand, Lochness Legends Productions, Boaretto shares his original projects with a growing online audience through his YouTube channel and Instagram. His content reflects a unique voice committed to imaginative, emotionally resonant, and genre-driven narratives.

Locky Boaretto represents a new wave of independent filmmakers—young, fearless, and deeply passionate about the power of film to inspire and connect. As he continues to evolve as a creative force, Boaretto remains dedicated to pushing boundaries, crafting bold stories, and proving that age is no limit when it comes to visionary storytelling.

With accolades already under his belt and a growing global fanbase, Locky Boaretto is undoubtedly a filmmaker to watch in the years ahead.

In addition to his technical skill and storytelling talent, Locky Boaretto stands out for his ability to lead collaborative projects at a young age. His hands-on approach and enthusiastic spirit have inspired fellow young creatives to join his artistic vision.

With each production, Boaretto proves that independent filmmaking is not only achievable with limited resources but can also reach remarkable levels of artistic excellence. His passion for cinema goes beyond accolades—he is constantly seeking to learn, grow, and experiment with new genres and formats. This open-minded and innovative mindset positions him as an emerging force in contemporary filmmaking.